(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:
- Satyam (truth)
- Asteya (non-stealing)
- Brahmacharya (sexual continence: no orgasm, no lust)
- Aparigraha (non-avariciousness)