Yoga & Sustainable Living

Patanjali, known as the father of yoga, proposed a “code of conduct” to name it some way, for those in the pursuit of spiritual growth. This system is known as the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, and the first two limbs are called: the Yamas and Niyamas. Basically, they are guidelines that outline a way of life, which leads to spiritual progress for every individual. In this post I want address to the Yamas, which are: Ahimnsa (non-violence), Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Bramacharya (Continence) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). All of these observances are meant to be applied as we interact with the external world.

Let’s move for a moment to a concept that has become popular in modern times; “Sustainability”, defined as “the Sustainable Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” It has been introduced in the last decade as a new concept based on three main components:

• To respect and preserve the environment.
• To develop a social system that is fair for us all.
• To create an economic model based on justice and non-greediness.

Sustainability, Not A New Concept

Perhaps it’s not such a new concept, as many ancient societies have shown us how to live in harmony with mother nature, how every being deserves to be treated with fairness, and that being wealthy is not about how much money you have, but rather the contentment and wisdom you achieve. There is a Native American Proverb that says, “Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children, we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”. This affirmation may even sound similar to how sustainability has been defined, maybe this is not such a new concept, perhaps we are only paying attention to a message that has been given to us by other traditional societies.

Applications Of Yoga Concepts For A Sustainable Lifestyle

And in that ancient world of wisdom, Yoga has provided us with this message and tools to live in harmony. Among those tools, the Yamas can help us to integrate actions oriented to more sustainable way of life. Let’s review a few examples:

• We can practice Ahimnsa (non-violence) in sustainability by choosing products and supporting companies that manufacture their offer in a responsible way: avoiding child labor, unfair working conditions, animal exploitation or unnecessary pollution and environmental damage. It only requires for us to stay informed and to know the history of the company and the products we buy from. Information is now more accessible than ever, so I am sure we can accomplish this.
• Satya, encourages us to be honest in our words and actions. Sustainability requires us to change and adapt “good practices”, surely, this practices involve more work and therefore we reject to implement them arguing that our busy lives don’t allow us to do so. Well, if we are truly honest with ourselves, we can actually admit that yes, we can take time to separate our trash and take it to a recycle center. We can take a little more time and walk or use public transportation instead of driving individual cars; we may even be able to harvest our own veggies and cook at home more rather than eat out. The fact that it takes more time or effort doesn’t mean it is difficult nor impossible.
• Asteya, non-stealing, we do not take what does not belong to us, and also what we do not need. This requires for us to be brave enough to reduce our consumption and take from the Earth only what’s necessary, and not what we desire to satisfy our consistent ego. Many actions can be modified or avoided based on this Yama.
• Aparigraha – non-possessiveness. We have fallen for the biggest lie ever told; that we own this world with all its resources, and that we can do whatever we want with it. Well, I guess Global Warming and other concerns are proving this belief wrong. The Earth does not belong to us, we belong to the Earth; and I guess the more we understand it and the more we un-attach from that possessive line of thought, we will develop a more nature friendly way of life. Perhaps when we understand there is no need to possess things, and that sharing feels good, we will find that social system where every one is treated well and with respect. After all, and as Ghandi said, “there is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed.”