Yoga ethics: Yoga's moral principles (Yamas and Niyamas)

Elodie Abadie • 26 janvier 2024
Today we're diving into the fascinating world of yoga ethics, exploring the profound moral principles underlying this ancient practice. The Yamas and Niyamas are yoga's ethical guides, showing us how to live in a balanced, loving and respectful way towards ourselves and others. Get ready to discover these precious teachings that transcend the yoga mat and apply to all aspects of life.

Understanding Yamas and Niyamas

To understand the ethics of yoga, let's start with the basics. The Yamas and Niyamas are the first two limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga system described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. They are essentially moral and ethical principles that guide yogic conduct.



1. **The Yamas**: These are the principles of personal ethics that concern our relationship with the outside world. They tell us how to interact harmoniously with others and the world around us. The Yamas include:


  -
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa teaches non-violence towards all living beings, including yourself. It's about practicing compassion, kindness and not intentionally harming anyone.


  -
Satya (Truthfulness): Satya invites truth, honesty and authenticity. It encourages you to speak the truth, to live sincerely and to be in harmony with your words and actions.


-
Asteya (Non-stealing): Asteya teaches non-violation of other people's property. This means not stealing, not cheating, and not being envious of other people's property.


-
Brahmacharya (Self-control): Brahmacharya encourages self-control and the management of sexual energy. It's not just about chastity, but also the conscious use of vital energy.


-
Aparigraha (Non-attachment): Aparigraha reminds us not to be attached to material possessions, people or experiences. This means not accumulating more than you need, and being free from greed.


2. **Niyamas**: The Niyamas are the principles of personal ethics that relate to your relationship with yourself. They guide your inner development and your attitude to life. Niyamas include :


-
Saucha (Purity): Saucha encourages purity, both physical and mental. This means taking care of your body, mind and environment, and avoiding negative thoughts and destructive habits.


-
Santosha (Contentment): Santosha invites inner satisfaction and contentment. This means finding peace with what you have, instead of always wanting more.


-
Tapas (Discipline): Tapas is the principle of discipline and effort. It encourages you to persevere in your practice, overcome obstacles and develop inner strength.


-
Svadhyaya (Self-study): Svadhyaya is self-study and inner exploration. It means reflection, meditation and self-analysis to better understand yourself.


-
Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to Divinity): Ishvara Pranidhana encourages self-surrender to a higher force, whatever way you interpret that force. This means trusting in the universe, in the order of things, and in the wisdom of life.



Applying the Yamas and Niyamas



Now that you have a basic understanding of the Yamas and Niyamas, let's look at how they can be applied in everyday life.


- At work: In a professional context, the Yamas remind you to be honest, not to harm others (including emotionally), to respect intellectual property (Asteya), to control your energy and to practice non-attachment to results.


- In Relationships: Yoga principles encourage compassion, honest communication (Satya), faithfulness and respect for others (Asteya), balanced expression of sexual energy (Brahmacharya), and contentment (Santosha) in relationships.


- In Your Yoga Practice : The Yamas and Niyamas guide your practice on the mat. You put them into practice by listening to your body (Ahimsa), being authentic with yourself (Satya), avoiding comparison and envy (Asteya), practicing self-control (Brahmacharya), avoiding competition and attachment to poses (Aparigraha), remaining pure in intention (Saucha), finding satisfaction in each pose (Santosha), persevering with discipline (Tapas), self-analysis (Svadhyaya), and surrendering to experience (Ishvara Pranidhana).


- In your everyday life: The principles of yoga help you make morally right decisions, cultivate compassion for yourself and others, manage your energy and desires, practice gratitude, persevere through adversity, explore your inner self, and trust in the universe.


The Challenges of Ethical Practice



Applying the Yamas and Niyamas in real life can be a challenge. The world is complex, and it's sometimes difficult to strictly follow these principles. However, yoga teaches us that it's not about perfection, but progress.


Simply being aware of these principles and making the effort to integrate them into your life is a big step in the right direction. You can start by choosing a Yama or Niyama to explore in more detail, and gradually integrate the others as you feel more comfortable.



Yoga Ethics and Personal Growth



The ethics of yoga are not limited to conforming to rules, but lead to profound personal fulfillment. By following these principles, you'll discover greater inner peace, a better relationship with yourself and others, and a deeper meaning to life.


Yoga ethics also help you to cultivate greater awareness, to truly know yourself, to develop your intuition, and to access a state of lasting contentment.


**Conclusion: Yoga Ethics in Action


The Yamas and Niyamas are like a code of conduct that guides you towards a more balanced, loving and fulfilling life. By exploring these moral principles of yoga and applying them to your daily life, you can develop a greater awareness of yourself and the world around you.



Remember, yoga ethics are not a rigid rule, but a path of exploration and personal development. So take a moment to reflect on these principles and how you can integrate them into your life. In time, you'll find that yoga isn't limited to your mat, but becomes a guide to living a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Namaste!




par Elodie Abadie 15 septembre 2025
Intuitive dance is attracting more and more people seeking well-being, creativity, and release. But what exactly is it? As its name suggests, it is a dance guided by intuition rather than an imposed choreography. Here, there are no rules, no codes, no aesthetics to respect. You move freely, in tune with your sensations, emotions, and breath. Intuitive dance is an invitation to reconnect with your body and your deeper self through spontaneous movements, without judgment or performance.
par Elodie Abadie 8 septembre 2025
Talking about money is often delicate—especially when it comes to a spiritual and ancient practice like yoga. Many people associate yoga with inner peace, serenity, and the search for meaning, while seeing money as a purely material value opposed to this quest. But the reality is much more subtle: yoga and money are not incompatible. Practicing yoga often requires an investment: studio classes, workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, equipment (mats, props…). This raises an important question: why do we hesitate so much to invest in our well-being, when we spend much more easily on things that don’t necessarily bring lasting value to our lives? In this article, let’s explore the link between yoga and money , and why investing in your practice may be one of the best choices you can make.
par Elodie Abadie 1 septembre 2025
I t is often said that we learn best by teaching others what we ourselves have understood.
Teaching, and especially teaching yoga, is a true vocation rooted in sharing. More and more yoga enthusiasts are taking the step to become teachers. But how do you start teaching yoga? What steps should you take, what skills are required, and what qualities are essential to transmit this ancient discipline? In this guide, we’ll explore the key points to becoming an inspiring, competent, and aligned yoga teacher.
par Elodie Abadie 25 août 2025
In yoga, each breath is far more than an automatic body movement: it is a deep connection between body, mind, and vital energy. 
The Sanskrit word Prana means both breath and life , reminding us that the breath is the very essence of our vitality. Did you know that you breathe between 20,000 and 30,000 times a day , most of the time unconsciously? In yoga, the breath becomes conscious, guided, and intentional—and that’s what transforms a simple physical practice into a true path of balance and well-being. In this article, let’s explore why breathing is so important in yoga, what specific breathing practices (pranayama) exist, and the many benefits it brings to both body and mind.
par Elodie Abadie 18 août 2025
Self-confidence is one of the essential pillars for thriving in personal, professional, and social life. Yet many people struggle to cultivate it.
 The good news is: confidence is not a gift reserved for a few—it’s a skill that can be built and strengthened day after day. In this article, discover practical tips and proven strategies to boost your self-confidence, transform limiting beliefs, and unlock your full potential. What is self-confidence? Self-confidence can be defined as the belief in your own ability to act, overcome challenges, and achieve your goals.
It combines several elements: * Self-esteem: the value you give yourself. * Perception of your skills: believing in your ability to succeed. * Resilience: the capacity to bounce back after failure. 👉 Without confidence, we censor ourselves, take fewer risks, and constantly compare. With confidence, we step into our power, move forward, and shine. Why is self-confidence so important? Building strong confidence allows you to: * Make decisions with clarity. * Better manage stress and criticism. * Seize new opportunities. * Maintain healthier relationships. * Feel aligned with your values. 💡 Confidence acts like an engine: the stronger it is, the more you dare to act—and each small victory fuels it even more. 7 tips to boost your self-confidence 1. Identify and reframe limiting beliefs Our thoughts shape our reality. If you constantly repeat, “I can’t do it”, your brain will believe it.
 👉 Replace each negative belief with a realistic, encouraging affirmation: * “I’ll never succeed” → “I learn and grow every day.” 2. Take care of your body and mind Physical well-being directly impacts confidence. Move your body, practice yoga, dance, or fitness, get enough rest, and eat a balanced diet.
 💡 When your body feels good, your mind feels stronger. 3. Step out of your comfort zone Every small risk strengthens confidence. Try something new: speak up in a meeting, explore a new activity, or say “no” when needed.
 👉 Action is the best antidote to doubt. 4. Celebrate your achievements, even the small ones Many people focus on what they haven’t done, forgetting what they have accomplished.
Keep a success journal and write down every win, no matter how small. Revisit it during moments of self-doubt. 5. Surround yourself with positive people Confidence grows in the right environment. Distance yourself from toxic people who bring you down, and connect with those who encourage and inspire you. 6. Practice gratitude and self-compassion Stop judging yourself harshly. Speak to yourself as you would to a dear friend.
Each evening, write down three things you’re grateful for. This simple practice nurtures a strong, positive mindset. 7. Keep learning and building your skills The more mastery you develop in a field, the more confidence grows. Invest in yourself: read, attend training, practice, repeat. Practical exercise: the confidence mirror Every morning, stand in front of a mirror, look into your own eyes, and repeat aloud a positive affirmation such as:
✨ “I deserve my place.”
✨ “I have the resources to move forward.”
✨ “I am capable and confident.” This simple yet powerful ritual anchors a new self-perception . Conclusion: self-confidence is a path for everyone Building self-confidence is like strengthening a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. It’s not a gift reserved for a few, but a skill anyone can develop with patience and self-kindness. 👉 If you want to go further on your personal growth journey, and explore yoga, dance, and Pilates practices that strengthen self-esteem and confidence, visit our website: www.yogadanse.eu 🌿 Because every movement, every breath, and every intention can become one more step toward the most confident, radiant version of yourself. ✨ And you—what’s the very first action you’ll take today to strengthen your confidence? Namaste 🪷
par Elodie Abadie 4 août 2025
What if you could merge Qi Gong, dynamic yoga, and the power of inner fire into a single, transformative practice?
Welcome to the Dragon Dance — an intense yet poetic sequence that awakens your vital energy while liberating both body and mind. In this article, discover: * What Dragon Dance really is * Its origins and connection to Qi Gong * The physical, energetic, and mental benefits * Who this practice is for and how to get started * Why more and more yogis and seekers are embracing it
par Elodie Abadie 28 juillet 2025
Chakras lie at the heart of many spiritual traditions, especially in yoga and Ayurvedic medicine.
These invisible energy centers influence our physical health, emotional well-being, and mental clarity.
When our chakras are open and aligned, the vital energy (prana) flows freely, allowing body, heart, and mind to live in harmony. In this article, discover: * What chakras truly are * Where they are located in the body * How to recognize imbalances * Which yoga poses, breathing techniques, meditations, and foods help restore balance to each chakra
par Elodie Abadie 21 juillet 2025
What if you could combine the power of yoga, the grace of dance, and the energy of mindfulness into one single practice?
That’s exactly what Yoga Dance offers — a complete, accessible, and deeply liberating experience. In this article, discover why Yoga Dance is attracting more and more people , who it’s for, how a typical class works, and what unique benefits it brings to your body and mind.
par Elodie Abadie 14 juillet 2025
Introduction: Why Engage the Bandhas in Yoga? Have you ever heard your yoga teacher say, “engage your abs,” “squeeze your pelvic floor,” or “draw your belly in”?
These cues are not just about posture—they refer to precise internal actions known as Bandhas, or energetic locks in yoga.
Activating the Bandhas helps you protect your body , especially your spine, while also stimulating the flow of vital energy, or Prana . They play an essential role in asana practice, pranayama, and even meditation.
par Elodie Abadie 7 juillet 2025
What if you chose your warm-up based on the element that suits you today?
 Earth, Water, Fire, or Air — discover how each energy can transform the start of your yoga practice. The warm-up, that key moment at the beginning of a yoga session, is much more than just a physical preparation. It’s a ritual of reconnection — a way to return to the body, get the circulation going, calm the mind, and settle into the present moment. Each day, our needs change. So why not choose your warm-up based on the natural elements that live within you? In yogic and Ayurvedic traditions, the elements — Earth, Water, Fire, and Air — can guide us toward a practice that aligns with how we feel, here and now.