The path of yoga was outlined in philosophy and practice thousands of years ago, and it continues to hold relevance in all aspects of our lives today, on or off the mat. The meaning of “yoga” is “to unite,” derived from Sanskrit origins. This refers to the expansion of our individual consciousness to unite with the Universal Consciousness, a journey to enlightenment with eight consecutive steps. The ancient sage Patanjali contributed greatly to the development of these eight limbs, described in the Yoga Sutras and well known as Ashtanga. To get a better grasp on the eight limbs of yoga, check out our article,The Eight Limbs of Yoga.
The first limb of yoga, Yama, shows us how we can lead an ethical life through self reflection and values such as truthfulness and nonviolence. You can learn more about the limb Yama in our article: Yoga’s Ethical Guide for Social Conduct: The Yamas. The second limb, Niyama, serves as a guide for self discipline and spiritual practice. Niyama means “inward control” and is often also translated to “observances” which refers to the inward movement of our senses to observe, control and uplift our senses.
The 5 Niyamas:
Saucha or Cleanliness
Saucha lies the foundation before beginning one’s yoga practice. Cleanliness of one’s mind, body and soul will allow for the benefits of practice to reap greater rewards of clarity and peace. Saucha guides us to ask ourselves– How can we cultivate cleanliness in the mind? Directing one’s energy to positive thoughts and consciously choosing to act with good, pure intention is a way we can practice Saucha. Our thoughts are powerful forces of energy, by directing our thoughts away from judgement and greed, it becomes easier to live with more clarity. The intention of cleanliness in our physical body can come to action with healthy eating and practicing yoga asana in a clean space.
Santosha or Contentment
Yoga teaches us that we can be fulfilled with what we have from within. Santosha is rooted in detachment from the external world: people, possessions, titles, etc. This idea of detachment does not have to mean that we don’t strive for goals or love other people, but it means that we are able to feel peace and joy independent of what we attain. In a yoga asana practice, this may look like making peace with your body and its strength, flexibility, and weight.
Tapas or Discipline
Tapas is at the core of one’s yoga practice, it’s the passion and drive that brings us back within, through mindset, meditation, postures, or study of truthful knowledge. Discipline may look different for each of us, for some it may be having or adding a consistent meditation practice, for others it may be building their core strength, to ingite that inner fire, agni. Consistency is very important for reaping the benefits of whichever practice you need most in your life. As an example, we can cultivate tapas through burning away negative thought patterns, such as “I am not good enough.” When we practice a consistent yoga practice with firm determination and patience, despite those old negative thoughts, the character built through yoga will initiate changes in other areas of our life.
Svadyaya or Self/Spiritual Study
Svadyaya enables us to expand beyond our current state of being by looking within and reflecting on our habits and spiritual scriptures that inspire us. Studying the self often only requires awareness and observation of one’s thoughts. When we can observe our fears and desires, and separate from them over time, we create space to bring in spiritual wisdom and unite with our higher self. Studying spiritual scriptures such as the The Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali, The Bhagavad Gita, and The Hatha Yoga Pradipika provide deep spiritual knowledge for those interested in delving into yogic wisdom. However, these books are not the only way to study spiritual scriptures, inspiration can come from a short passage or quote on spiritual living as well. Remain curious about your yoga practice and ask yourself about your priorities and intentions every day. Congrats! You are currently practicing Svadyaya by reading this article and seeking spiritual knowledge for your well being.
Isvara Pranidhana or Surrender to Higher Power
Surrendering to a higher power, may it be god, the universe, or whatever you believe in comes with such a relief. However this practice, like many others, is easier said than done. It can be great to cultivate on the mat, as we are aiming to reach a posture, though we may not achieve it in that moment of effort. Yoga can teach us that we are only in control of our action, the effort we put forth, but we must surrender the outcome, because it is beyond our control. We can practice detachment better this way too, because we aren’t attached to the result of our actions. Isvara Pranidhana helps us connect with the greater picture and trust that this path may not always be comfortable, but it can be peaceful and eventually lead to liberation.
References
Newlyn E., The Yamas and Niyamas, Ekhart Yoga.
Published 2/25/25
Article By Kaylee
