Niyama: Personal Behavior

“Niyama consists of purity, contentment, accepting but not causing pain, study of spiritual books and worship of God (self-surrender)”

-Sri Swami Satchidananda - The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The Niyamas in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, defines practices for caring for one's self on a personal level. The first is the most external, cleanliness of body, mind and surroundings from impurities and clutter. The next is contentment with who we are and what we have. The final three constitute kriya yoga.

Here is an overview of each Niyama in detail:

Saucha (Purity/Cleanliness): Saucha refers to purity or cleanliness, both external and internal. Externally, it involves maintaining cleanliness in one's surroundings, such as keeping the body, home, and environment clean. Internally, it involves purifying the mind and emotions by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and cultivating positive thoughts and attitudes. Saucha also extends to purity in diet, consuming clean and healthy foods that nourish the body and mind. Yoga is a process of gradual purification of all layers of the self. Good personal hygiene and an uncluttered environment, lead to happiness, focus and the next niyama, contentment.

Santosha (Contentment): Santosha is the practice of finding contentment and satisfaction with what one has, wo we are and where one is in life. It involves accepting the present moment without longing for what is lacking or yearning for more. Contentment is also related to being unattached to the results of our actions. If the result is less than anticipated, we accept, learn and move on. If we have unreasonable expectations, we set our selves up for disappointment. Practicing Santosha enables individuals to cultivate gratitude for the blessings in their lives and develop inner peace and tranquility regardless of external circumstances.

Sutra 2.42 "By contentment, supreme joy is attained."

Tapas (Discipline/Austerity): Tapas refers to the practice of self-discipline and self-control. It involves making conscious efforts and sacrifices to overcome obstacles and achieve personal goals. This can include physical disciplines such as maintaining a regular yoga practice, as well as mental and emotional disciplines such as controlling desires, cultivating willpower, and staying focused on spiritual growth. Tapas is seen as essential for burning away impurities and ego-driven tendencies, leading to personal transformation and spiritual awakening.

Sutra 2.43 "By austerity, impurities of the body and senses are destroyed, and occult powers are attained."

Svadhyaya (Self-Study): Svadhyaya is the practice of self-reflection, self-study, and the study of sacred texts. It involves introspection and self-awareness to understand one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors more deeply. Through Svadhyaya, practitioners gain insights into their own nature and develop greater clarity about their purpose and path in life. It also involves the study of spiritual teachings and scriptures to deepen one's understanding of yoga philosophy and principles.

Sutra 2.43 "By study of spiritual books comes communication with one's chosen deity."

Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a Higher Power): Ishvara Pranidhana is the practice of surrendering to a higher power or divine presence. It involves letting go of the ego's desires and trusting in the inherent wisdom and guidance of the universe. This surrender can take various forms, such as devotion, prayer, or simply surrendering the outcome of one's actions to a higher purpose. By relinquishing control and aligning with the divine will, practitioners cultivate humility, acceptance, and a deeper connection to the spiritual dimension of life.

Sutra 2.43 "By total surrender to God, samadhi is attained."

These five observances provide the inner and external framework through which one can weaken the klesas and realize samadhi. By observing these guidelines in daily life, individuals can bring about real change in removing obstacles to becoming a fully realized self. In the next article, we will explore kriya yoga and the last three niyamas in more detail.