The Niyamas are the second limb of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga, which focus on personal observances and internal practices. There are five Niyamas, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. By practicing these principles in our everyday lives, we can cultivate a greater sense of inner awareness, contentment, and spiritual growth. In this blog, we will explore each of the Niyamas in detail and provide practical tips for incorporating them into your daily routine. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting on your spiritual journey, these principles can help you deepen your practice and live a more fulfilling life.
What are the five Niyamas?
1. Shaucha (purity, cleanliness)
Shaucha applies on all levels in life. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras he mentions shaucha as: Through cleanliness and purity of body and mind (Saucha, Shudhi) comes a purification of the essence (sattva), a goodness and gladness of feeling, a sense of focus with intentness, the mastery and union of the senses, and a fitness, preparation and capability for self-realization. (2.41) As a yogi, you might be very familiar with the cleanliness you apply on the room you're practicing in. Clutter is often very distractive and working out on a sandy yoga mat impossible. By being clean you simply remove these distractions from your practice. Shaucha is also applied on your everyday life as a yogi. You have a pure mind, not thinking any negative thoughts (ahimsa). Shaucha also applies on our physical body and highlights the importance of staying clean, not only externally by showering or taking a bath, but also internally by practicing asanas and pranayama (breathing techniques) we are purifying our bodies from toxins by getting a flow in our prana. By practicing and dhyana (meditation), we purify our minds and mental wellbeing.
In everyday life, Shaucha can be practiced in several ways:
Personal hygiene: Maintaining personal hygiene by bathing regularly, brushing teeth, washing hands frequently, wearing clean clothes, and keeping the surroundings clean.
Eating clean: Consuming a balanced and nutritious diet that is free from harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Mental hygiene: Keeping the mind clean and pure by avoiding negative thoughts and emotions, practicing meditation, and developing positive attitudes towards oneself and others.
Environmental hygiene: Keeping the environment clean and green by avoiding littering, recycling, and reducing waste.
Spiritual cleanliness: Engaging in spiritual practices that help to purify the mind and soul, such as chanting, prayer, and practicing Yoga and meditation.
By practicing Shaucha in everyday life, we can cultivate a healthy and pure lifestyle that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
2. Santosa (Gratefulness)
Santosa means greatfulness, contentment. By not focusing on what we don't have, and what we actually do have, we become grateful. Santosa means that we are detaching our desires to always want more. We want to achieve inner peace and joy not by possessions but by our experiences and community. Simply by living our lives, not by consuming and craving. This can be applied on our diets as well. To stop eating when we are full, to nourish the body and not always go for the sweet cravings. When practicing asanas, we accept our limits and are grateful for what we actually can do with our bodies, and not the fact that we are not able to perfectly execute an asana.
Santosa, or contentment, is an important principle in yoga and can be applied to our everyday lives in various ways.
In everyday life, Santosa can be practiced in several ways:
Gratitude: One way to cultivate contentment is to focus on the things we have in our lives and be grateful for them. This can be as simple as taking a moment each day to think of one thing we are grateful for.
Acceptance: Practicing acceptance means acknowledging and accepting things as they are, rather than constantly striving for something different or better. This doesn't mean giving up on goals or ambitions, but rather finding contentment in the present moment while working towards them.
Mindfulness: Being present and mindful in each moment can help cultivate contentment. When we are fully engaged in what we are doing, rather than distracted by thoughts of the past or future, we can find a sense of peace and contentment.
Letting go of expectations: Often, our expectations can lead to disappointment and a lack of contentment. By letting go of these expectations and accepting what comes, we can find contentment in the present moment.
Practice non-judgment: By accepting people and situations as they are, without judgment or criticism, we can cultivate contentment and a sense of inner peace.
3. Tapas (Discipline in our spiritual effort)
Tapas translates to discipline in our spiritual efforts. If you have wondered about how often you should practice yoga, the answer is every day! This doesn't mean that you should do asanas for 2 hours per day, but might instead be practicing on your Yamas and Niyamas, eating Ayurvedic foods or meditating. Your spiritual effort is a very private journey. The goal of practicing tapas is to achievie knowledge of the Atman (your true Self). In Patanjalis Yoga Sutra he mentions tapas with svadhyaya (self-study) and Ishvara pranidhana (the divine). (2.1). By looking inwards, and surrendering to the divine, we can practice yoga in a way which suits us the best. Once again, yoga is not about perfection.
In everyday life, Tapas can be practiced in several ways:
Set goals and work towards them consistently, even when it feels difficult.
Create a routine or schedule for yourself that supports your goals and stick to it.
Practice self-restraint by avoiding indulgences or distractions that don't serve your goals.
Push yourself to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone.
Develop a regular yoga or meditation practice, even when you don't feel like it.
Cultivate self-awareness and examine your thoughts and behaviors to identify areas where you can improve.
Practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life, even when faced with challenges.
Embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Remember that tapas is not about punishing yourself or pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion or injury. It is about developing a healthy sense of self-discipline and using it to support your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
4. Svadhyaya (self-study)
Svadhyaha is all about getting to know yourself, inside and out. It applies on getting to know our personality, on being our true selves and not our ego. Also Svadhyaha is a very important tool when you are practicing your asanas. By becoming aware of your physical restraints you will not injure yourself. When meditating you will eventually accept all the thoughts swirling in your mind, and moving on with your practice and not get emotionally involved in every thought. Svadhyaha can also be practice in life - by you being aware of your behaviour, your thoughts, biases you will be able to change or control these. You will then easily be able to let go of what does not longer serve you, and give room for growth.
In everyday life, Svadhyaya can be practiced in several ways:
Keep a journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings is a great way to reflect on your inner self. You can jot down your experiences, goals, desires, and insights in a journal.
Read spiritual texts: Reading spiritual texts can help you gain insights into your own self and the world around you. You can read books on yoga philosophy, spirituality, self-help, or any other topic that interests you.
Practice self-inquiry: Asking yourself questions like "Who am I?" or "What is my purpose?" can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. You can also reflect on your actions and thoughts to understand your patterns of behavior and how you can improve.
Meditate: Meditation is a powerful tool for self-reflection. By sitting in silence and observing your thoughts, you can gain clarity and insight into your own self. You can also try guided meditations that focus on self-discovery and self-awareness.
Practice mindfulness: Being present and fully engaged in the present moment can help you develop self-awareness. You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities like walking, eating, or even brushing your teeth.
Seek feedback: Asking for feedback from others can help you gain new perspectives on yourself. You can ask a trusted friend or mentor to provide constructive criticism and help you identify areas for improvement.
Remember, Svadhyaya is a personal practice, so find what works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine.
5. Isvarapranidhana (Surrender to god)
Patanjali define Isvarapranidhana as "ones special self" (1.20), meaning if you are a atheist, Isvarapranidhana doesn't need to translate to a classic god. God can be universe, energies or nature. Your definition what you are surrendering to is what matters. It is basically wherever has a spiritual significance to you.
In everyday life, Isvarapranidhana can be practiced in several ways:
Isvarapranidhana, or surrender to a higher power, can be practiced in everyday life in several ways:
Gratitude: Expressing gratitude for the blessings in your life can help you cultivate a sense of surrender to a higher power. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are thankful for.
Trust: Trusting in the universe and having faith that everything will work out can help you let go of control and surrender to a higher power. Practice trusting in the journey and the process, rather than obsessing over the outcome.
Mindfulness: Being present in the moment and fully engaging in whatever you are doing can help you connect with a higher power. Whether you are meditating, doing yoga, or simply going about your daily routine, try to be fully present and mindful of your actions.
Prayer: Engaging in prayer or other spiritual practices can help you cultivate a deeper sense of surrender and connection with a higher power. Find a form of prayer or spiritual practice that resonates with you and make it a regular part of your routine.
Letting go: Letting go of attachment and surrendering to what is can help you practice Isvarapranidhana. Recognize that there are things beyond your control and focus on accepting what is in the present moment.
Overall, practicing Isvarapranidhana involves cultivating a sense of surrender, trust, and connection with a higher power in your everyday life.
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