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The yamas are the first limb listed by Patañjali in his Yoga Sutras. As is common for Sanskrit words, the word yama translates into English in many different ways: Self-restraint, outward observance, abstention or restriction. The yamas are:
The Yoga Sutras say this:
2.29 The eight limbs of Union are self-restraint in actions, fixed observance, posture, regulation of energy, mind-control in sense engagements, concentration, meditation, and realization.
2.30 Self-restraint in actions includes abstention from violence, from falsehoods, from stealing, from sexual engagements, and from acceptance of gifts.
2.31 These five willing abstentions are not limited by rank, place, time or circumstance and constitute the Great Vow.Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, 2:29-31
The yamas govern how we interact with the world around us beginning with our own bodies and moving outward from there. Patañjali indicates that the five yamas are important for all people at all times and that the yamas are the Great Vow. Just as practicing the asanas brings our bodies into harmony along with other benefits; following the yamas brings our outward actions into harmony along with other fringe benefits.
Each of the yamas will be covered separately beginning with ahimsa. The other yamas can be found under the Thoughts menu.
