NIYAMAS

As learned in the previous article, in the second chapter of Yoga Sutras, Patanjali explains and illustrates the foundations of yoga, which are yamas and niyamas. In this article we will discover the "5 yes of yoga"  which are the niyamas. The niyamas are personal observances that serve to regulate one's discipline both physically and spiritually. These moral rules are part of the great vow "Maha Vratam" that goes regardless of social class, time and place. The word Niyamas means "respect" and refers to the behaviors a yogi should follow along the personal path. 

Which are the Niyamas

Saucha

Internal and external purity. Purity should involve both body and mind. The body is our temple and must be kept in the best condition through the practice of asanas, cleansing actions and diet. The mind must be purified through thoughts. Having pure thoughts is essential and consequently will lead us to have pure words and actions.

Santosha

Be content. These words may seem to have a negative meaning, but in this case they do not have a negative meaning at all. Santosha is gratitude, being able to appreciate and be happy for what one has in the present moment. We can consider this niyama as the famous saying "knowing how to look at the glass half full." When we learn to appreciate the present moment and what we have, we free ourselves from the angst, sadness and dissatisfaction typical of those who do not live with gratitude "here and now".

Tapas

Tapas is austerity. This niyama represents the inner fire that allows us to eliminate obstacles in our path in order to achieve our goals. Tapas is the ardor, the rigor, the disciplined use of our energy. It also represents the enthusiasm with which we approach life each day and which keeps us going when we have a purpose despite the obstacles we may encounter on our path.  

Svadhyaya

Study and self-knowledge. Analyze and observe our behaviors, tendencies and thoughts, in an honest way. Being honest with ourselves is a fundamental step that allows us to be self-critical but in a constructive way. Knowing how to recognize when we are "telling ourselves a lie" and we are creating imaginary scenarios that become the "reality" in which we live. Observing and continuing to explore our inner world allows us to know ourselves fully and evolve spiritually, mentally and physically.

Isvara Pranidhana

Isvara pranidhana means surrender to the divine. Surrendering to the divine means learning to trust. To have trust in the flow of life, that we are in union with the whole. Learning to trust that we are enough, that we are loved and that we can always make it through. Having trust in ourselves, in the world around us, in the whole universe. 

Yama and Niyama are extremely related to each other and are the foundation of Yoga. The Yogi knows that these virtues are the starting point of one's path. Without yamas and niyamas there is no yoga just as without roots a tree could not exist.