Continuing our journey into the Yoga Sūtras and the teachings of the great meditation masters, we return to the Sādhana Pāda of Patañjali, the chapter of practice. This is where Patañjali lists the steps—the actual methods—we can apply to move toward viveka-khyāti, the unwavering discriminative wisdom that brings freedom from suffering.
Previously, in Yoga Sūtra 2.29, we were introduced to the classic eight limbs of Aṣṭāṅga Yoga. Now, in Yoga Sūtra 2.30, Patañjali begins to unpack the first of these limbs: the yamas. The sūtra reads:
"Ahiṃsā-satya-asteya-brahmacarya-aparigrahāḥ yamāḥ"
अहिंसासत्यास्तेय ब्रह्मचर्यापरिग्रहा यमाः ॥२.३०॥
“Non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy (right use of energy), and non-possessiveness are the yamas.”
The yamas are ethical guidelines—not rigid rules, but principles that help guide our interactions with the world. They are not commandments, but rather energetic or vibrational truths. When we violate these principles, we disturb our inner peace. For example, when we harm another, we’re often left looking over our shoulder, waiting for retaliation. It’s challenging to sit quietly in meditation with a mind filled with fear, guilt, or anxiety. The yamas, then, are the first step toward freedom from citta-vṛtti—the fluctuations of the mind.
Among the five yamas, ahiṃsā (non-harming) is the cornerstone. It forms the ethical foundation of all the other limbs of yoga. Ahiṃsā means practicing kindness and compassion, refraining from causing harm in thought, word, or deed. In the teachings of Śrī O.P. Tiwari, there’s a beautiful reminder that while modern culture often emphasizes “love” in relationships, perhaps an even more powerful commitment would be to prioritize ahiṃsā. Rather than saying, “I will always love you,” we might say, “I will always do my best not to harm you.” This shift moves us from sentiment to responsibility, letting our actions become the true expression of care.
In a world increasingly skeptical of organized religion, the yamas and niyamas offer a universal, practical, and profoundly human set of values. They are practices we can integrate into daily life, regardless of belief or background. As our commitment to these ethical principles deepens, so does our ability to still the mind and let the light of wisdom shine through.
As you carry this teaching into your life, remember: ahiṃsā is not just the first step on the path of yoga—it may also be the deepest. Let your weekend be guided by non-harming, and may your peace ripple outward into the world.
🧘♂️ San Pancho 2026 — Join us for a retreat in Mexico to explore these teachings more deeply:
👉 www.jefflichty.com/events
