Niyamas
As the second step in Maharshi Patanjali's Ashtang yoga, Niyamas are observances that represent the Do's in life, focusing on our own selves. There are five Niyamas following Yama, Asanas, Pranamaya, Pratyahar, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
Sauch (cleanliness)
Santosh (contentedness)
Tapa (austerity)
Swadhyaya (study of self and scriptures)
Ishwar pranidhan (surrender to God)
Sauch
The focus is on cleanliness, encompassing both external and internal aspects. External cleanliness involves maintaining the cleanliness of your body and surroundings, and wearing clean clothes. Internal cleanliness, which is of greater significance, involves cultivating positive thoughts to keep your mind clean, and purifying your Chitta from ignorance and other afflictions through discrimination. The underlying principle is straightforward: "A clean body can only house a pure soul."
Santosh (contentment)
Contentment involves being happy with what you already possess, instead of constantly seeking more. It means recognizing that what you have is enough to sustain you in your daily life and work. While the mind may always crave for additional things, this pursuit is unending and leads to perpetual dissatisfaction. Contentment is characterized by the absence of longing for material possessions or other desires. However, this does not imply that we should cease striving for personal development and progress. Have whatever you can, but there should not be any hankering after them. Rather, it suggests that true happiness does not come from external objects, so it is beneficial to live with only what you truly need. Contentment results in experiencing a profound sense of joy.
Tapa (austerity)
Here, the focus is on self-improvement through exertion and perseverance. It emphasizes the necessity of struggle in attaining valuable goals in life. These efforts, such as maintaining silence, fasting, dedicating oneself to a project, or committing to eliminating negative habits, are essential for meaningful living. In the practice of yoga, it involves controlling the senses, mind, and regulating Prana. Panchashikha, an ancient sage, stated that Pranayama is the most profound form of austerity.
Swadhyaya
According to Swami Vivekananda, the more elevated the beings one seeks to attain, the more rigorous the practice must be. It involves both introspection and studying sacred texts, contemplating constantly on the self - what is favorable, what is unfavorable, and how to eliminate the undesirable aspects.
Ishwar Pranidhan
The greatest of all Niyamas is surrendering to God's will by taking shelter under the lotus feet of the Lord and reducing the- I-sense to zero. This surrender involves offering all works to God without being concerned about the outcomes. According to Aurobindo, surrender is not just a mental attitude but opening up to divine light, allowing the destruction of old motives and forms, and the transformation of consciousness by the Divine. Merely having an attitude of surrender without the will to change leads to tamasic passivity.
Practice Point
The Niyamas serve as guidelines for promoting a healthy lifestyle. While cleanliness (sauch) and discipline (tapa) contribute to physical well-being, contentment (Santosh) and self-study (Swadhyaya) are essential for mental, emotional, and social health. By adhering to the Niyamas, you can lead a fulfilling life without the need for anything else. If following all five seems challenging, prioritize tapa for physical health - engage in exercise and combat impurities such as bad habits, posture, or manners. Set achievable goals incrementally and progress accordingly.
In my view, one constant belief is to seek refuge in God, in the Divine, with utmost sincerity. It is essential to have unwavering faith in Him. When you do so, everything will naturally align. However, it's important to note that relying on God does not imply a lack of personal effort.
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