Yoga begins with the 'yamas' and 'niyamas', the first two limbs discussed within the eight limb system Patanjali outlined.
The moral and ethical principles of the yama and niyama (observance) the foundation of yoga practice.
While the yamas and niyamas may not be as strict as commandments, they are still helpful guidelines for living a healthy lifestyle - within and without.
A conscious, honest, and ethical life is guided by Yamas, while Niyama fosters a positive environment in which to thrive and develop self-discipline, humility, and inner strength as you progress along in your spiritual journey.
The five internal practices of Niyama extend the moral and ethical codes of conduct that Yama provides.
Practicing Niyama assists us to uphold a positive atmosphere where we can grow in mind, body and spirit.
1. Saucha: Purification and cleanliness. Maintaining proper hygeniene is an important part of Saucha, as is avoiding detrimental and hurtful thoughts, speech and deeds. Avoiding egotism and gossip is one way of living with Saucha. A moderate and healthy diet is also implied.
Practical Use: Be aware of your thoughts, reactions and emotions as they enter your mind. Practicing good personal hygenien protects your body (and others) from illnesses. Purifying your mind and body brings radient health.
2. Santosha: Contentment and acceptance of the world, what we have and who we are at this moment because as we move forward in our journey we change. To clarify Santosha means don't be fooled into thinking that happiness can be lasting through the procurement of material things. The yogis teach that materialism is only temporary. Practicing contentment frees us from the unnecessary suffering of always wanting things to be different, and instead fills us with gratitude and joy for all of life’s blessings.
Practical Use: Let go of the past without judgment by freeing your mind of expectations.
3. Tapas: The literal meaning is "heat". This Niyama refers to self-control and willpower even when faced with doing something you don't want to do. Basically, Tapas will have a positive effect on your life. Tapas brings a change of some kind through an "internal fire" that burns conflicts of will. It challenges.
Practical Use: The practice of asanas is a form of tapas for the body; meditation is a tapas that purifies and focuses the mind.
4. Svadhyaha: The study of the self. This may include contemplation and self reflection. Patanjali said “Study thyself, discover the divine”. Svadhyaha is the remembering of who we really are through meditation on the truths revealed by seers and sages. The yogic practice of Svadhyaya involves the study of sacred texts as a guide to our interior world where our true self resides. Self-study requires both seeing who we are in the moment and seeing beyond our current state to realize our connection with the divine.
Practical Use: Learn about your flaws and weaknesses, these give the opportunity to grow. Learn from mistakes. Examine your actions, motives and thoughts by turning your awareness within to learn your divinity of your life.
5. Ishvara Pranidhana: The last and most important of the Niyamas. Surrendering to God or a 'higher power’. Live an authentic life by letting go of expectations - self surrender. Patanjali said that to reach the goal of yoga we must dissolve our egocentric nature and let go of our constant identification with ourselves. This includes dedicating and devoting one's work to a higher power and dissolving ego-focused desires.
Practical Use: Our daily yoga practice allows us to be reminded of our connection to our higher Self and a higher Power. In this way our practice becomes sacred and filled with grace, inner peace, and love. Surrender and contemplate the Divine or Supreme Being.
Add comment
Comments