Question

In Yoga Sutra, how many types of Yama are mentioned?

• A. Four
• B. Seven
• C. Five
• D. Ten

Hint:

Remember the five Yamas: \[ \text{Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha} \] These form the first limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: In the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Yama is the first limb of Ashtanga Yoga (Eightfold Yoga). Yamas are ethical restraints or moral disciplines that guide a person toward self-control and harmonious living. Patanjali mentions five Yamas, which are considered universal moral principles.

Step 1: Understand the meaning of Yama.
The word “Yama” refers to ethical restraints or disciplines that regulate behavior and social conduct. According to the Yoga Sutra, the five Yamas are:
• Ahimsa (Non-violence)
• Satya (Truthfulness)
• Asteya (Non-stealing)
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy or moderation)
• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) Thus: \[ \text{Number of Yamas} = 5 \]

Step 2: Analyze the given options.
Option (A): Four
Incorrect. Yoga Sutra does not mention four Yamas. Option (B): Seven
Incorrect. The number of Yamas is not seven. Option (C): Five
Correct. Patanjali describes five Yamas. Option (D): Ten
Incorrect. Though some other yogic traditions mention ten Yamas, the Yoga Sutra specifically mentions five.

Step 3: Identify the correct option.
Since the Yoga Sutra mentions five Yamas, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Five}} \]