So, we have already discussed the definition of yoga, the purpose of its practice and its origins. However, practicing the breathing and meditating techniques of yoga is not enough for one to become a complete yogi. So, who is a yogi?
The Bhagavat Gita, which is a Hindu text on spirituality, defines a yogi as an individual who is detached from all desires of sense gratification and a person who performs his or her duties without expecting the rewards. A yogi accepts whatever comes to him or her on its own accord and does not engage or act in the world to fulfill selfish desires. A yogi sees others’ happiness and pain as his or her own.
Many other spiritual texts, including those belonging to Buddhism, that discuss yoga in detail have laid down the disciplines and moral behaviors that a yogi follows in order to achieve the supreme goal of liberation. These behaviors and disciplines are called Yamas and Niyamas, respectively. According to Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, the Yamas and Niyamas guide and protect the yogi on his or her path towards liberation of the soul. Following is a list of Yamas and Niyamas:
1) Ahimsa or non-violence
The yogi should be firmly established in a state of mind that does not think of harming any being either verbally, physically or psychologically.
2) Satya or truthfulness
A yogi should think, act and speak in a manner that does not distort reality and facts. It is the duty of the yogi to guide others in the right direction and not mislead them for selfish reasons.
3) Asteya or non-stealing
A true yogi shall never steal anything that belongs to another being. By stealing others’ hard-earned merits, one does harm to their fellow being and eventually harms himself or herself because the whole of existence is connected.
4) Daya or Compassion
The yogi recognizes the unity in existence and sees others’ pains as his or her own. As a result, he or she should constantly cultivate feelings of compassion for all beings.
5) Ksama or forgiveness
Forgiveness is the wealth of yogi. The more forgiving a yogi becomes, the higher is his state of mind.
6) Mitahara
A yogi neither eats too much nor too less. He or she does things in moderation. This principle was also taught by Buddha because he believed that all that exists is the result of a perfect balance.
7) Sauca or cleanliness
It is important for a yogi to maintain cleanliness of surroundings and his or her body. Impurity and lack of cleanliness act as invitation to disease, which hampers the practice of a yogi.
8) Dhriti or determination
A yogi cannot achieve his goals sans determination and devotion to his or her practice of yoga.
9) Tapas or meditation
A yogi of course has to practice meditation regularly for getting rid of mental impurities that are caused due to interaction with the imperfect material world.
10) Santosh or contentment
A yogi is content with what he has been given by god and never complains about his state of existence. He or she always finds happiness internally and not in external objects.
11) Dana or charity
A yogi does charity for others’ well-being and shares his gifts and wealth with the universe.
12) Arjava or non-hypocrisy
The yogi speaks what he thinks. He or she never hides his or her true intentions.
Practicing these Yamas and Niyamas accelerate the progress of a yogi. Adhering to these principles also protects the yogi from getting attracted to the illusions of the material world and keeps him or her steadfast in his or her devotion towards the divine.
Sure, the practice of these virtues seems hard, but the effort to perfect them never goes in vain. In the words of Norman Vincent Peale “shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”