Part of knowing and loving yoga is knowing about the 8 Limbed Path of yoga as outlined by Sri Patanjali Maharishi. In his second book he defines these 8 limbs and furthermore, defines what the Yamas and Niyamas are.
Niyama is easily defined as inner observances. It’s what happens inside the mind and Patanjali outlines that if it’s pure, clean and unbothered that will lead to happiness and ease of life.
The 5 Niyamas are named in Sanskrit but defined better in English. They are:
Saucha | Cleanliness
Santosha | Contentment
Tapas | Discipline
Svadhyaya | Self-Study
Ishvara Pranidhana | Surrender
Again, the Niyamas are the inner workings of the mind.
The most outer of the inner is Saucha which is cleanliness - this not only refers to a clean body but also, clean environment. A clear environment can allow you to think clearly and have a pure heart-mind connection. Eating clean allows for clearer skin, digestion and the fire for life or agni in Ayurveda. Do you ever think about how lovely it is to walk into a clean house after a vacation? Or the feeling of pulling back fresh clean sheets?
Santosha is being content, but not complacent and it’s right before Tapas. Tapas is the discipline and drive to achieve or move forwards. Sometimes, people think that Santosha and Tapas can be at odds with each other which, doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Santosha could be referring to “being content with the place I am present,” and Tapas could be “I am working hard to reach my goal and trust that I am supposed to be right where I am because this is my path.” This would be a direct reflection of Ishvara Pranidhana, surrendering to the divine. The divine here doesn't have to reflect religion necessarily, it could be the soul or The Self. Maybe you need to surrender to "what is" and let life follow a more easeful flow. Santosha as contentment can mean at ease with what is and Ishvara Pranidhana can mean that because we aren't exhibiting resistance, we have surrendered and given up controlling the outcome.
Svadhyaya is self knowing and self study. Here, we need to ensure we are authentic and honest with ourselves as we’re are going and moving through this process which means exhibiting the first two Yamas of Ahimsa and Satya. Being honest with yourself is a very good start to getting to know yourself, however, improving upon yourself is reflective in this Niyama too. Often times we can read self help books and this is part of the Svadhyaya practice. Santosha in Svadhyaya is a common perspective - being content with yourself and not yearning to have someone else's body or life isn’t sitting in contentment is it? Wanting to change your True Self isn't acting in alignment with Svadhyaya, Santosha or even Asteya but consistent practice and goal setting is situated in Tapas.
We will dive into the Niyamas next...
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