Periagoge
Concept
1 min read

Yama-Niyama: Ethical Boundaries as Self-Love

The yogic ethical foundation reframed as the non-negotiable values and boundaries that protect and honor the reparented inner child.

Patan
Why It Matters

Yama and niyama—the ethical precepts of yoga—form the bedrock of reparenting. Yama includes ahimsa (non-harm), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (integrity), and aparigraha (non-grasping). For the inner child, these become practices of self-protection: I will not harm myself, I will tell myself the truth, I will not steal from my own future, I will maintain my integrity, I will release what doesn't serve me. Niyama—personal observances—includes saucha (purity of environment and body), santosha (contentment), tapas (disciplined effort), svadhyaya (self-study), and ishvara-pranidhana (connection to something greater). Applied to reparenting: I deserve a clean, safe environment. I can be satisfied with simplicity. I will work consistently on myself. I will understand my patterns. I will trust in something larger. These ethics are not rules imposed from outside but loving standards the reparenting adult establishes, demonstrating to the inner child that ethical living is self-love.

Helpful guides
Patan
Mental Health
Peri
Questions about Yama-Niyama: Ethical Boundaries as Self-Love?

Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.

Ready to work on Yama-Niyama: Ethical Boundaries as Self-Love?

Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.