Today's blog is the second in the 8 Limbs of Yoga series, of which the second limb is Niyama. The Niyamas build on the Yamas, giving one a more direct instruction on what should be done, versus what should not be done, as the Yamas mostly state.
Photo by Chris Ensey on Unsplash
Much like the Yamas, there are multiple principles which make up the Niyamas. However, there are only five (5) Niyamas, as opposed to eight (8) Yamas:
Saucha: Purity
This principle relates to purity of both the body and the mind. The body purifies itself automatically in a variety of ways:
Sweating
Release of carbon monoxide during exhalation
Liver and kidneys filtering toxins
However, much like applying deodorant doesn't actually clean oneself, it only masks the odor, Saucha operates under the understanding that purity or cleanliness comes from within.
Additionally, purity of ones environment is key. You cannot heal in the same environment that made you ill. This could relate to the physical environment around you, or the people that fill this environment.
Santosa: Contentment/Acceptance
While many may relate the concept of contentment with satisfaction, that is not the goal of Santosa. There will always be events or circumstances in life which are not satisfying, but cannot be changed.
Santosa works to find fulfillment in life on a personal level, coming from inside oneself. By finding contentment or accepting that there will exist events in your life that are not satisfying, you can stop relying on outside forces (people, places, things, etc.) and find fulfillment in spite of these events.
Tapas: Discipline
As a literal translation, Tapas means "to burn", representing the pain of growth. Physical growth, as well as personal or spiritual growth can be painful. Think of how your muscles feel after a strenuous workout, or how you feel emotionally once a difficult choice has been made.
However, that muscle soreness and that emotional discomfort is necessary for growth of the muscles and the spirit. Tying into Santosa - this muscle soreness may not be satisfying, but by accepting that with grow comes discomfort, one can push past that limitation and, indeed, grow.
Additionally, Tapas acknowledges that discipline can be easier to maintain in some situations and less in others. For example, maintaining a boundary is easier if that person whom the boundary is set for is across the county. Or if you are working on nutritional goals, it can be easy to stick to those at home, versus at a buffet.
Svadhyaya: Regular study of spirituality/self-expression
A few things to note with this Niyama:
Spirituality can be interpreted as a pure consciousness, a higher power, multiple higher powers, or even a connection to the Earth and its energies. The end goal of Svadhyaya is the exploration and improvement of oneself, so whichever path you follow to obtain this, is the right path for you.
Study doesn't mean to literally, study as if you are going to take a test, but more so the continuous implementation of spirituality in your life. How can you see and grow in your spirituality in daily events in your life?
Isvara Pranidhana: Worship/Self-Surrender
As with the Yama of Aparigraha, this Niyama refers to the freedom one gains from mentally detaching from one's possessions. Instead of forming an attachment to physical objects, by forming an attachment to a higher power or spiritual force, one can find peace and clarity.
Some questions for further reflection on the Niyamas:
How does good hygiene have a positive impact on my self-esteem?
Does the cleanliness of my surroundings improve my mood?
When was a time where I accepted something I was unhappy with?
Did this acceptance bring me peace? Did it relieve stress or reduce anxiety?
Think of a difficult time or challenging obstacle you overcame...how did your life change after this?
How has my spirit been lifted in the past?
What ways can I expand on this and continue this spiritual growth?
As I mentioned in last week's post, these Niyamas are not meant to include or exclude any specific religions, but are meant to reflect the spiritual similarities across various religions. One may relate these principles to any number of religions they practice.
-Charlene 🧡
NOTE:
The majority of the information contained in this blog post comes directly from my education with Yoga Renew teacher training while I was studying for my 200-hour certification.
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