论Yama 和Niyama 在瑜伽练习中的作用和价值

The Importance and Value of Yama and Niyama for Yoga Practice

本文深入梳理瑜伽八支的前两支持戒（Yama）和内修（Niyama）的内涵，同时指出其对于身心健康的价值。遵循持戒中的非暴力、诚实、不贪婪和禁欲等原则可以帮助瑜伽修习者免受体式练习带来的瑜伽伤害，懂得在安全习练的前提下增进身体健康；长期练习内修中的洁净、满足、苦修和自我研习等原则可以帮助瑜伽修习者保持心理平衡、促进心理健康，避免出现一些心理疾病。深入理解和践行瑜伽八支修行法中的前两支持戒和内修有助于帮助人们保持身心健康，获得更好的生活。

This article intends to study the first two dimensions of the Ashatanga (eight-limbed) Yoga: Yama and Niyama, by trying to clarifying their meanings and pointing out their value to physical and mental health. Yama means the social ethics and how to interact with others, which includes non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-possessiveness and asceticism. Niyama means personal discipline and practice, which includes purity of the body in a physiological sense, contentment, indifference, self-study and devotion to the Lord. The principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-possessiveness and in yama can protect asana practitioners free from yogic harms and improve their physical health while knowing how to practice safely. The principles of purity, contentment, indifference and self-study help to maintain psychological balance, promote mental health and avoid some mental illness. Therefore, a deep understanding and practice of the first two limbs of raja yoga help people maintain physical and mental health and achieve a happier life.