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Patanjali first theorized Yoga exercise into a book by the name of The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. The learned sage made a list of about 200 Yoga sutras or mudra, and sought to guide individuals in the development of their spirituality and personality. He was one of the greatest yogis and lived during the period between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. In fact, he is regarded as the father of Yoga Therapy.
His core contribution to Yoga and meditation is the eight-fold path or Ashtanga (meaning eight limbs). These are not dogmatic principles to the right way of life. On the contrary, these are open to introspection and criticism. Of the eight paths, five Yamas in asana exclusively deal with social behavior. These are:
Ahimsa or Non-violence: All beings are divine creations of the divine being. Hence, you do not have a right to harm any creature in thought, deed or kind. Ahimsa is not only about not killing any other fellow living being. But it is aboiut the attitude at the time of killing. For example, killing that is in the favor of the law of nature and land is not wrong but murder surely is. Therefore, it is not only the act of killing but the attitude at the time that is important.
Satya or the path of Truth: Never tell a lie as it weighs on your soul and mental health. The practice helps you bring open-heartedness. It is difficult to follow this yama especially when you are walking over the path of ahimsa which is the first yama. This yama asks you to speak truth but only when it may not harm anybody else. Truth brings integrity and self respect in your life and thus helps you live with vision and clarity of mind.
Brahmacharya or renouncing all kinds of lust: The sexual desire demeans a man. No, he does not ask to quit sex altogether but to practice safe and healthy sex and abstain from meaningless sexual encounters. It is all about practicing moderation that helps bring in balance in to our lives. Correct balance is very important to attain a higher stage and that can be best done by practicing brahmacharya.
Asteya or not stealing: Yoga also demands to restrain from theft of any kind. It could be material or immaterial, that is to rob somebody of the opportunity to succeed in life. Something that is not available freey should not be takes unduly.
Aparigraha or non- possessiveness: Selfishness is the cause of much humane unhappiness. Therefore, always avoid hoarding and greed. Only collect as much is necessary to exist. Worldly things and objects will all get destroyed with time and so you must not hoard on them.
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