The Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele is a centerpiece book for your library. Another small book (sometimes you don’t have to explain things with thousands of words), it cover the first two limbs of yoga. The Yamas (behaviors to control) and the Niyamas (behaviors to cultivate).

What a utopia we would live in if people lived their lives in accordance with the Yamas and Niayamas. Simple, yet complex, there are five of each. You may find them to be not unlike the 10 Commandments of the Bible.

The difference is the level of understanding and awareness with which they must be practiced, for each must be practiced not only in the physical, tangible world, but with your words and your mind.

So, it is not enough to practice “Nonviolence.” You must also not be violent in your speech, or even think violent thoughts in your mind. This goes on and on, through multiple facets and truly, if practices, will change your life.

I love her practical and updated sensibilities and how she relates them to modern life and living. Sometimes the ancient texts and examples do not feel relevant, but she makes them very relevant and understandable.

Brilliant book; and a wonderful resource you will return to again and again.

Shanti (peace),

Jill