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## Friend's Vision: The First Limb of Yoga - Yama
(193) The true nature of this vision is as follows: In this first vision called "Friend's Vision," the weak perception, bound by the weak faith, is like a straw fire. Just as a straw fire is unable to see the light of the desired object, this vision, bound by the limiting factor, cannot see the desired object of ultimate reality. Because just as a straw fire does not last long enough to perceive the light of the object, this vision does not remain stable long enough to practice the knowledge properly. Just as the light of a straw fire is weak and dim, this vision is also weak and has little power. Just as the light of a straw fire flickers and disappears, leaving no lasting memory, this vision, being short-lived and weak, does not leave a lasting impression. And just as a straw fire is completely flawed and incapable of performing any real work, this vision is also flawed and incomplete, and therefore cannot perform actions like bowing with devotion. It only performs actions like bowing to the material.
"On this occasion, I said, let us now speak of the first vision; where there is a friend, there is a weak perception, like a straw fire... brave..."
- Shri Yoga Darshan - 5
And this Friend's Vision is the first vision, which means that according to the previously mentioned rule, it achieves (1) the first limb of Yama, (2) the abandonment of the first fault called "Regret," and (3) the first virtue called "Non-hatred." It is as follows:
1. The first limb: Yama. The other name for Yama is Vrata (vow). There are five Vratas: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (continence), and Aparigraha (non-possession). Each of these Vratas has four types due to their varying intensity: Ichchhayam (desire-based), Pravrittiyam (action-based), Sthiriyam (stable), and Siddhiyam (perfected). (The nature of these will be explained by the great author at the end of this text.) A yogi who has the first vision must follow these Vratas of Ahimsa, etc., whether they are a small vow-taker or a great vow-taker. They must be truly non-violent, truthful, non-stealing, continent, and non-possessive. To understand the nature of these Vratas of Ahimsa, etc., it is essential to know their scriptural definition. Therefore, on this occasion, we will provide a brief explanation according to the first Patanjali Yoga Sutra: