Astanga Yoga Components: Yama vs. Niyama

Astanga Yoga, a well-known system outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, is often described through the Eight Limbs (Ashtanga). The first limb is Yama, which refers to ethical restraints or moral disciplines practiced towards others and the world.

Understanding Yama Components

The five primary components of Yama are:

• Ahimsa: Non-violence, non-harming.
• Satya: Truthfulness.
• Asteya: Non-stealing.
• Brahmacharya: Right use of energy (often translated as celibacy or moderation).
• Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness, non-hoarding.

Analyzing Question Options

The question asks to identify which options are *not* components of Yama:

• (A) Ahimsa: This is a core component of Yama.
• (B) Shoucha: This refers to purity or cleanliness. It is considered a Niyama (the second limb of Ashtanga Yoga), not a Yama.
• (C) Asteya: This is a core component of Yama.
• (D) Tapas: This refers to austerity, discipline, or asceticism. It is also considered a Niyama, not a Yama.

Identifying Non-Yama Elements

Based on the analysis, Shoucha (B) and Tapas (D) are components of Niyama, not Yama.

Therefore, the correct option listing the elements that are not part of Yama is (B) and (D) only.