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Yama (social discipline)

Broadly speaking, yama can be translated as 'social discipline' or 'universal moral commandments' (i.e. conduct towards others). The yamas are:

Ahimsā:
Non-violence.
Satya: Truthfulness.
Asteya: Non-stealing; Non-covetousnous.
Brahmacarya: Self-restraint and religious study
Aparigraha: Non-aquisitiveness; Non-receiving of gifts.

Each of the yamas are described below in more detail: 

Ahimsā

Although the direct translation means non-violence, ahimsa means not doing harm to anyone or anything, or even more than that, having love for everything in the world as we are not separate and distinct from it – all living organisms share the same air, and our own actions can have unforeseen affects thousands of miles away.  The concept of non-violence does not mean one cannot oppose things that are wrong.  One should fight for good, as long as one shows love and compassion for others.  This yama also indicates that all enmity between others tends to cease in the presence of someone who perfects ahimsa.

Satya

In order to become one with the Truth, one must have truthfulness in one’s own thoughts, words and actions.  Thoughts must bear no malice, words spoken must not abuse, be obscene, be false or ridicule others.  And one’s actions must be in alignment with the other yamas and niyamas.

Asteya

Asteya commands that one must not desire or covet what belongs to another.  It involves reducing physical needs to a minimum to ensure that one is not stealing from nature.  Asteya is not restricted only to physical needs, but other cravings such as wealth, power, fame or enjoyment.

Brahmacarya

Although literally translated brachmacarya means celibacy, religious study and self-restraint, it is not intended to be negative or prohibitive.  One is still encouraged to show love.  Even when this love is sexual that is seen as positive if one is adhering to one’s social and moral responsibilities such as happy marriage and parenthood.  However one should ensure energies are not wasted on vice or indiscriminate sexual pursuit, but are saved and focused on doing the work of the Lord and fighting injustice.

Aparigraha

Aparigraha states that one should not hoard or collect things that one does not require immediately.  Neither should one take anything without working for it or as a favour from another.