Yoga is much more than physical postures to stretch and strengthen the body…
The 8 Limbs of Yoga are the centerpiece of the Yoga Sutras – written 2500 years ago by the great Patanjali. The Sutras are the most relevant text on Yoga for modern day practitioners.
Through applying these 8 Limbs of Yoga to our daily lives, we can transform ourselves and the world around us, tapping into one’s fullest potential.
I recently touched on the 1st Limb, Yama.
In this post I will be explaining the 2nd Limb, called Niyama.
Niyama means “rule” or “law”. It incorporates individual discipline in actions and conduct, and in our attitude to ourselves.
The 5 Niyamas, or personal observances, are:
- Saucha (or Purity)
- Santosha (or Contentment)
- Tapas (or Austerity)
- Svadhyaya (or Spiritual Studies & Study of the Self)
- Ishvara Pranidhana (or Constant Devotion to “God”)
Saucha
We must go to the root causes of our mental and physical suffering, and do the work it takes to purify ourselves. Saucha means “purity” or “cleanliness”. This includes not only physical cleanliness and cleanliness of your surroundings, but it largely encompasses your diet and purity of thought. Your body is a temple. All food that you ingest becomes a part of you. Both junk food, and junk thoughts are vandalism of this temple. Make a commitment to a pure diet, tune out mass media, and regularly practice Yoga poses, breath work and meditation.
Santosha
This limb is all about appreciating what we have. Allowing thoughts of gratitude and acceptance to ride the waves of you thoughts, and your breath. Open your heart, and embrace all aspects of life. Santosha, however, does not give us the excuse to not put effort into something.
Contentment is a state of mind to be cultivated. A mind that is not content cannot concentrate. Live from the heart. There is no greater gift than this that even comes close to the true grace of contentment.
Tapas
Like the other precepts, Tapas demands self discipline and persistence. However, it’s main focus is to develop a strong enthusiasm for your life’s work. Character building can be regarded as a practice of Tapas. It is Tapas when one works without any selfish motive or desire for reward. It is the conscious effort under all circumstances to achieve a definite goal in life. This said, do not try to do too much at once. The Tapas relate to Mind, Body and Speech. Identify one or two things you’ve long wished to change in your life, which are fairly simple and achievable, and start there. Take further steps only when you are ready.
Svadhyaya
Self-study leads to Self-discovery. Svadhyaya encompasses mindful self-reflection and ongoing learning, both formal and informal. Svadhyaya is also seen as study on Sacred Texts. Which can be a primary pathway to self-awareness and personal growth. Sacred words and texts can inspire us to shift, change and grow. Our hearts are opened.
In this process, we extract ourselves from social conditioning and become face to face with ourselves. We can be reminded of the larger picture and the eternal nature of existence. Then, we must turn our knowledge into wisdom by bringing it into our lives and living it.
Choose your source of spiritual wisdom and go deep to fully explore it. Find your own story. Draw out the best of yourself. Read the book of your own life. Write it, and revise it.
Ishvara Pranidhana
Under this precept, you accept that an all-knowing principal exists. Whether you are religious or spiritual, we are reminded that a higher force is all around us, as well as within. It is up to you what you name “God”, and what that means for you. But this knowledge can bring meaning to your life. Some choose to honor an ideal, rather than “God”. 
Actions mirror one’s personality. We should dedicate our actions and choices to the greater good, to the creator, to the Universe, rather than for personal gratification. Begin in your home. Make it a safe, sacred space. Become more aware of the seasons, spending more time in nature. Connect with the sacredness of all manifestations of nature, no matter how small. See spirit everywhere. Be grateful for the water you drink, the food you eat, the air you breathe and the earth upon which you walk. Become more aware of the present moment.
The Niyamas are rules of conduct that apply to individual discipline in their application. We cannot expect to be perfect at all times, but the act of being mindful, aware, and taking action, puts us on the right path towards true joy and contentment in our lives.
Shortly I will follow up and post about the third limb of Yoga – Asana. Asana being the well known physical postures and practice of Yoga.
Stay tuned!
Om Shanti.
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