Niyama (Observance)

 

Shaucha (purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (austerity), svadyaya (scriptural study), and Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to God) constitute observances.
YOGA SUTRAS 2:32

Shaucha (purity): Cleanliness of the body and purity of the mind. As the mind and body are interdependent, purification of the body is a means of controlling the mind...
By observing cleanliness one becomes less attached to one's own body and loses desire for physical contact with others. When purity is perfected one gains control of the senses and becomes cheerful, one-pointed, and fit for Self-realization.

Santosha (contentment): More than a passive state of mind, contentment is a virtue to be actively cultivated in order to free the mind from the effects of pleasure and pain. When contentment is perfected, one becomes desireless and attains unexcelled happiness.

Tapas (austerity): Literally, "to burn"; in Yoga tapas implies the burning of all desires by means of discipline, purification, and penance. Fasting, enduring heat or cold, and observing silence are methods of tapas. Any form of giving up desires is tapas. Pranayama (breath control) is considered to be the highest austerity, as it requires great restraint of the normal, life-giving breath. When austerity is perfected one achieves control over the body and the senses.

Svadhyaya (scriptural study): The study of scriptures, Self-inquiry, satsang, and japa (repetition) of Om, with the aim of attaining liberation. Study of scriptures pertains especially to the Vedas; it also includes study of the lives and teachings of saints. Self-inquiry is done by reflecting deeply on the question, "Who am I?" Satsang is association with spiritually oriented people and places. As Om is the origin of all mantras (sacred sounds or words), japa of Om may be extended to include any mantras used for liberation. Through svadhyaya one can contact the form of God that one desires to worship.

Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to God): Recognition that the limited, ego-self is an illusion; channeling of energies toward the realization of truth, or God. One who sees the Self in all beings and who has surrendered the ego of being the "doer" is the true practitioner of Ishvarapranidhana. Perfection of Ishvarapranidhana brings success in samadhi (superconsciousness).

Continue (Asana)

 

The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga

Yama	Niyama	Asana
Pranayama	Pratyahara	Dharana
Dhyana	Samadhi