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Yama

yama(Sanskrit यम) Literally, "self-control, restraint, forbearance." Also: "Rider, charioteer, rein, bridle. Road, end, way, path, course, progress. Carriage. Cessation. God of death. Twin, twin-born, couple, one of a pair. Crow."

1. Hinduism: (a) The first mortal and the god of death. Yama, which also means "twin," has a twin sister named Yami (यमी) and is also called Yamini ("night"). 

2. Buddhism: (Tibetan gshin rje) The ruler of the hell realms and god of death. He is depicted holding the Wheel of Samara in his mouth and claws.

3. Yoga: The first step of yoga as explained by Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. As the foundation for all yoga, Yama requires:

  • Ahimsa (non-violence)
  • Satya (truth)
  • Asteya (non-stealing)
  • Brahmacharya (sexual continence: no orgasm, no lust) 
  • Aparigraha (non-avariciousness)