Yama & Niyama are the first 2-stages of Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali

The 10 Yamas – Restraints or Proper Conduct

1. Ahimsa …………………or Non-injury
2. Satya ……….. …………or Truthfulness
3. Asteya ……….. ………..or Nonstealing
4. Brahmacharya ……….. or Sexual Purity
5. Kshama ……………….. or Patience
6. Dhriti ……….. …………or Steadfastness
7. Daya ……….. ………….or Compassion
8. Arjava ……….. ………..or Honesty
9. Mitahara ……….. ……..or Moderate Diet
10. Saucha ……….. ………..or Purity (Hygiene)

The 10 Niyamas – Observances or Practices

1. Hri ……….. …………….or Modesty
2. Santosha ……….. ………or Contentment
3. Dana ……….. …………..or Charity
4. Astikya ……….. ………..or Faith
5. Ishvarapujana ………….or Worship of the Lord
6. Siddhanta Sravana …….or Scriptural Listening
7. Mati ……….. ……………or Cognition
8. Vrata ……….. ………….or Sacred Vows
9. Japa ……….. ……………or Incantation
10. Tapas ……….. ………….or Austerity

How simple they sound and how difficult they are! Are they truly difficult? Anything you are not accustomed to – appears difficult. For a person who has not even seen a swimming pool or pond before – swimming appears difficult. Familiarity removes the fear and makes it easy. Then, once a person starts familiarizing with the above – they progressively become easy and practicable.

MSR Ayyangar