“Yama is a ‘moral restraint’ or rule for living virtuously. Ten yamas are codified in numerous scriptures, including the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika compiled by Yogi Swatmarama, while Patanjali lists five yamas and five niyamas (disciplines) in the Yoga Sutra.”
Source: Devanand, G.k. Teaching of Yoga
And in Japanese – “Yama” = 山 means “mountain”. Mountain tops above the clouds into the heavens, mountain base rooted into the earth, existing in both worlds observing the changing weather patterns, being aware. I use this visualization when there’s a tendency to get wrapped up in turbulence of emotions. Try it – Down cast eyes, focusing to the drishti point 1-2 meters ahead OR completely close your eyes to find your inner mountain. Breathe – Stand or sit tall and expansive. Then find your baseline. BREATHE – Allow your base to root to the inner core of this earth. Let’s get grounded to this Mother Earth like a mountain through the practice of yoga:)