The Secret Yama: Dayā (Compassion)
Let's dive into the secret yama of yoga!
Well, it's not really a secret, but it's definitely lesser known! I’m referring to Dayā, or compassion, one of the foundational ethical guidelines in yoga as outlined in the "Yoga Yajnavalkya." Despite being centuries old, the teachings of Dayā remain profoundly relevant today, offering both philosophical wisdom and practical benefits for modern life.
Exploring Dayā in the Yoga Yajnavalkya
The "Yoga Yajnavalkya," a classical Sanskrit text from the 4th to 5th centuries CE, is a dialogue between Yajnavalkya and his wife Gargi. I first came across the book during a phase of my yogic journey I now term “the Tantric obsession years.” In truth much of the reading I found during this phase was mystical and other-worldly with little practical application. The Yajnavalkya however was different. Simple teachings on ethical values that were more expanded than the more popular Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.
Yajnavalkya emphasises ethical conduct as a cornerstone of the practice, and among these ethical guidelines, or yamas, is Dayā—compassion towards all beings.
Dayā encourages students to cultivate kindness, empathy, and a deep sense of interconnectedness with others. It's about recognising and where possible alleviating the suffering of others, which in turn fosters a harmonious and peaceful existence.
The Science of Compassion
I think everyone see’s the value in being compassionate and knows first hand the times in life when a close freind, family members or even a stranger has offered them a compassionate ear or embrace.
But, theres a science to all the “hippy love-in.”
Modern psychology has begun to catch up with these ancient teachings, highlighting the profound benefits of compassion. Research has shown that practicing compassion can lead to significant improvements in mental and physical health.
A study published in the journal Psychological Science found that individuals who practice self-compassion experience lower levels of anxiety and depression. The study by Neff and Germer (2013) demonstrated that self-compassion enhances emotional resilience, allowing individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and less stress .
I found a second study in the journal Emotion that highlighted compassion training not only increases positive emotions but also enhances the brain's capacity for empathy and social connection (Weng et al., 2013) . This is particularly significant as it underscores the holistic benefits of compassion—not just for oneself, but in creating a ripple effect of positivity in one's social environment.
Practical Applications
Integrating Daya into your yoga practice and daily life can be incredibly transformative. Here are some practical ways to cultivate compassion:
Mindful Meditation: Engage in loving-kindness meditation (Metta) where you focus on sending goodwill and positive thoughts towards yourself and others. I have these freely amiable online via my app of the video content here on the website. You cam also join me for a more in-depth course on Meta meditation that is available in the “yoga courses” section.
Active Listening: Practice truly listening to others without judgment. This fosters empathy and strengthens your connection with others. I recently completed a level 2 counselling course that was entered around active listening. I found it as value as anything I have every studied. If you would like to know more drop me an email and I’ll link you to a training.
Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. This includes recognising your own suffering and responding with care and support.
Community Service: This is karma yoga in full flow. It’s a part of my practice I am committed to doing more of this year. Be of service (maybe, without sharing it on instagram for likes). Volunteering and helping those in need can significantly enhance your sense of purpose and connectedness.
Dayā, or compassion, is not just an ancient philosophical or mystical concept but a powerful practice that can enhance your well-being and relationships. By incorporating compassion into your life, you align with the timeless wisdom of the "Yoga Yajnavalkya," while also benefiting from the robust findings of modern psychological research.
So, embrace this "secret" yama and experience the profound impact it can have on your holistic health and harmony.
If you would like to learn more about the “secret” or additional yama’s and niyamas found in yoga texts other than Patanjalis work, then join my online training. My trainings are a way to support my work and enable me to offer free classes, podcasts and writings online, that I believe will help spread yoga to those who need it the most.
Big love,
Stu
References:
Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program. Journal of Psychological Science, 24(10), 1918-1927.
Weng, H. Y., et al. (2013). Compassion training alters altruism and neural responses to suffering. Emotion, 13(6), 1123-1133.