Hour 28 Meditation – Ethics and Yamas/Niyamas for the Meditator

Ethics and Yamas/Niyamas for the Meditator

Introduction: The Role of Ethics in Meditation

Ethics are the moral principles on which our meditation practice is based. While we walk in the path of self-awareness and inner peace, it is important to align ourselves with moral principles supporting and nurturing spirituality. In yogic tradition, Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances) serve as guiding principles that constitute the moral foundation of the aspirant’s life, assisting the meditator in establishing a harmonious relationship within and without, between self, others, and the surrounding world.

Osho points out that genuine meditation cannot survive in the midst of unethical living, and it is only by developing inner purity through ethical living that one can reach the deeper levels of consciousness. We shall study the Yamas and Niyamas and their application to the meditator’s path in this module.

1. The Yamas: The Five Ethical Restraints

The Yamas are the first of the Eight Limbs of Yoga described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. They are moral principles for how we interact with the world around us and with others. Adhering to the Yamas creates a basis of inner harmony and ethical awareness necessary for the practice of meditation.

The Five Yamas:

Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

Ahimsa is non-violence in thought, speech, and action. It encompasses physical violence and also mental and emotional violence. During meditation, Ahimsa provides a tranquil and secure inner landscape, free from judgments and negativity.

Use for the Meditator: Practice kindness and compassion towards yourself and all beings. Release negative thoughts and judgments during meditation. 

Satya (Truthfulness)

Satya is loyalty to truthfulness, not in words alone but also in deeds and thoughts. A meditator should remain truthful to self, recognizing strength and weakness in themselves without falsehood.

Application to the Meditator: Practice seeing the truth in your existence without distortion. While meditating, confront inner reality as is, without fight or pretences.

Asteya (Non-Stealing)

Asteya is non-stealing, not only in a physical sense but also time, energy, and ideas. It is the respect for boundaries and not taking more than one requires.

Application for the Meditator: While meditating, be aware of how your mind steals your attention away from the current moment. Practice staying completely immersed in your practice without distraction.

Brahmacharya (Moderation, Celibacy)

Brahmacharya refers to the principle of moderation and control of sensual energy. In the past, it has been related to celibacy, but it is also possible to live a balanced life without excess in any field.

Application for the Meditator: Practice restraint in everything in life. During meditation, this implies abandoning desires and distractions that divert your mind from the present moment.

Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness)

Aparigraha is the path of non-possessiveness and detachment from material things, persons, and even concepts. It is a life of detachment and simplicity.

Application for the Meditator: Detach from your attachment to results, expectations, and even ego. While meditating, let go of the desire to “achieve” and be in the here and now.

2. The Niyamas: The Five Personal Observances

Whereas the Yamas address our outer conduct, the Niyamas are the practices which pertain to how we maintain our inner environment. The Niyamas assist in the cultivation of personal discipline and the purifying of the mind and spirit, both of which are crucial for the meditator.

The Five Niyamas:

Shaucha (Purity)

Shaucha is purity, both physical and mental. It encompasses cleanliness, both inner and outer, such as a clean environment and clean thoughts.

Application for the Meditator: Practice cleanliness in your body and environment. Make your meditation space peaceful and clean. Remove distractions and negativity from your mind to enable deeper focus.

Santosha (Contentment)

Santosha is the practice of contentment and acceptance of what is. It encourages the meditator to find peace and happiness in the present moment, regardless of external circumstances.

Application for the Meditator: Let go of dissatisfaction and the desire for something more. During meditation, accept whatever arises in the present moment, whether it’s stillness or distraction.

Tapas (Discipline, Heat)

Tapas is the discipline and spiritual effort. It is the inner fire or willpower to push through challenges and keep going on the spiritual path, even when things get tough.

Application for the Meditator: Practice persistence in meditation, even on bad days. Tapas is about being present for your practice with commitment, even when the mind resists.

Svadhyaya (Self-Study)

Svadhyaya means self-study or study of sacred scripture. It is the practice of self-reflection on one’s actions, thoughts, and feelings.

Application for the Meditator: Observe yourself and think deeply about your own behavior and mind regularly. This may involve self-inquiry, journaling, or reading spiritual texts to better understand the self.

Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to the Divine)

Ishvara Pranidhana is the practice of surrender to the divine or higher power. It means giving up ego and control and trusting that all is happening according to a greater plan.

Application for the Meditator: Release the desire to control your meditation practice. Surrender to the process and trust that everything is happening as it should.

3. Integrating the Yamas and Niyamas into Meditation

To achieve meditation’s benefits, one must live in accordance with the Yamas and Niyamas. These ethical directives refine the inner atmosphere of the practitioner and assist the aspirant in having a peaceful mind. Using these guidelines, the practitioner cultivates patience, non-attachment, and clear understanding, which are needed for intensified meditation practice.

Advantages of Using Yamas and Niyamas for Meditation:

Inner Peace: Following ethical guidelines creates peace of body and mind, enabling you to enter deeper states of calm in meditation.

Mental Clarity: Through the practice of truth, non-violence, and moderation, the meditator eliminates mental distractions and clutter.

Emotional Balance: The practice of Santosha and Aparigraha enables you to let go of emotional attachments and find balance, allowing you to more easily enter meditation without emotional upheaval.

Spiritual Growth: Through self-study and surrender to the divine, the meditator comes closer to the self and to higher consciousness. 

4. Practical Application: How to Live the Yamas and Niyamas

The following are some practical suggestions on how to apply the Yamas and Niyamas in your everyday life and in your meditation practice:

Tips on Practicing the Yamas

Ahimsa: Be careful of your actions and words, not only towards others but also towards yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and gentleness and avoid negative self-talk.

Satya: Cultivate honesty in your mind, words, and actions. If you find a discrepancy between your actions and words, work on rectifying it.

Asteya: Refrain from grabbing more than you require, be it material possessions, time, or attention. Watch your energy input.

Brahmacharya: Maintain balance and desist from excess. In eating, work, or relationships, exercise restraint.

Aparigraha: Let go of attachment to objects, such as your possessions, expectations, or even results in meditation.

How to Practice the Niyamas:

Shaucha: Keep your meditation area tidy. Clear your mind by dropping unnecessary mental debris.

Santosha: Cultivate appreciation for what you currently possess in this moment. Release the relentless pursuit of additional possessions and enjoy life as it comes.

Tapas: Establish consistency with your practice of meditation. On even tough days, be diligent and carry on.

Svadhyaya: Allow time to introspect. Daily journal or reflect upon your thoughts and activities in order to expand your comprehension.

Ishvara Pranidhana: Release the need to control your meditation. Trust the process and surrender to the flow of life.

Reflective Questions:

Which of the Yamas do you struggle with the most? How can you start to incorporate them into your meditation and daily life?

How do the Niyamas aid your inner calm and spiritual development? Where in your life do you need greater discipline or surrender?

Which Niyama speaks most to you in your current meditation practice? In what ways can you bring this quality more fully into your being?

How are your words, actions, and thoughts in harmony with the values of the Yamas and Niyamas? What tiny modifications can you make to align better with these moral guidelines?

In what ways will practicing the Yamas and Niyamas alter your meditation experience? How do you believe that these values will enhance your sense of connection to your inner self?

Conclusion: The Ethical Foundation of Meditation

The Yamas and Niyamas give the ethical basis of meditation, instructing the trainee to live more harmoniously, clearly, and peacefully. Through the practice of these ethical rules, the meditator establishes a firm foundation upon which to practice meditation, enabling them to penetrate deeper into the inner workings of consciousness. As you integrate the Yamas and Niyamas into your daily life and meditation practice, you will find that your mind becomes clearer, your heart more open, and your spiritual journey more fulfilling.