What are Niyamas

The yoga philosophy of Patanjali is broken down into 8 limbs. Here we focus on the second pillar - Niyamas.

Whilst the Yamas focus on ethical principles guiding our interactions with the external world, the Niyamas emphasise personal observances and disciplines to improve our relationship with ourself and for self-discipline and inner growth.

Patanjali describes five Niyamas:

Saucha (purity)

Saucha refers to cleanliness and purity, both externally and internally. It involves keeping the body and surroundings clean, as well as cultivating mental and emotional purity. This includes practicing hygiene, eating pure and nourishing food, and engaging in purifying practices such as breathwork and meditation. Being clean in our mind, body, thoughts and actions.

Santosha (Contentment)

Santosha is the practice of contentment and acceptance of the present moment. It involves finding satisfaction and gratitude for what one has, rather than constantly seeking external validation or comparing oneself to others. Santosha encourages a state of inner peace and joy irrespective of external circumstances. being content. If we are content, with our perspective being ‘the glass is half full’ kind of people, we tend to focus less on comparing ourselves to others and appreciate what we have and who we are more.

Tapas (Discipline)

Tapas refers to self-discipline and the cultivation of inner strength and perseverance. It involves willingly engaging in practices that purify and strengthen the body, mind, and spirit. Tapas may include regular yoga practice, meditation, fasting, and other forms of self-discipline aimed at overcoming personal limitations. Tapas teaches us sacrifice and deferred gratification. The practice of Tapas in the Bhagavad-Gita (17:14) is broken down into three areas: body, speech and mind.

Svadhyaya (Self-study)

Svadhyaya involves the study and self-reflection of sacred texts, scriptures, and spiritual teachings. It also encompasses self-inquiry and introspection to understand one's own nature, patterns, and beliefs. Svadhyaya encourages continuous learning, self-awareness, and the cultivation of wisdom. This can help us to cultivate more self-love when we understand and accept ourselves.

Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to the Divine)

Ishvara Pranidhana is the practice of surrendering to a higher power or the divine. It involves cultivating a sense of humility, trust, and surrender to a greater universal intelligence or higher consciousness. Ishvara Pranidhana encourages letting go of egoic control and aligning oneself with the divine will.

By incorporating the Niyamas into our lives, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves, be kinder to ourselves and develop inner strength, to promote a harmonious way of living.

The Niyamas provide guidelines for self-discipline, personal growth, and spiritual development. They encourage us to cultivate qualities such as purity, contentment, discipline, self-reflection, and surrender, creating a conducive environment for the practice of Yoga and the journey of self-realisation.