Yama and Niyama in Modern Leadership

Abstract

Spirituality is slowly becoming a means to maintain mental balance than just being an elusive point of super-natural state. In this context, Yoga has become a very popular and effective tool among the masses. It is not just the physical practices, but also the ancient philosophy (darshan) which is getting its due attention in present times. Maharishi Patanjali’s Yogasutra stands out for its practicality, brevity, and clarity among many books on yoga philosophy. The Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbs) framework is the best-known extract from this timeless wisdom, and can be used as a potent tool for getting a balanced state of mind. The framework includes- Yama, Niyama, Aasan, Pranayam, Pratyahaar, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The chapter focuses on the two primary limbs in the ashtanga yoga framework- Yama and Niyama, and looks them through the perspective of modern-day work environment. Yamas are the restraints that a yogi must practice while dealing with the outer world, while Niyamas are the duties that a yogi must observe for the self. The article explains the meaning, the differences, the relevance, and the applications of each of the five yamas and five niyamas. The content and inferences of the study can be of great help for organizational leaders to not only have a positive work environment, but also a stable and peaceful state of mind for themselves.