Abstract
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.
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