The Niyamas are the personal practices that comprise the second of Patañjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, from the Yoga Sutras.
Although a lot has changed in the thousands of years since their inception, the Yoga Sutras are still practical and constrictive rules (not esoteric woo-woo new age stuff) that are meant to give us tangible tools to deepen our practice as we strive for full and perfect integration, which Yoga calls Samadhi.
Whereas the Yamas are “restraints” — states of self-discipline and denial — the Niyamas are “practices” — states of action and immersion.
Join me as we delve into each in these five weeks.
The Niyamas: Iswara-Pranidhana
If you simply reframe your current activity — the thing you’re doing right now (presumably reading this blog) — as being in service rather than self-serving, you’ve done it. You’re there. Sutra 45 tells us that if we do something fully in service, we gain Samadhi.
Read “The Niyamas: Iswara-Pranidhana”
The Niyamas : Swadyaya
The more you study a deity, the more attuned with it you will become. The more you will feel its sway on your life. Some people choose to study secular “deities” like political figures or causes. They spend their time and intellect on earthly things and are, therefore, bringing these Earthly influences closer.
Read “The Niyamas : Swadyaya”
The Niyamas : Tapas
Tapas has a few different translations — I’ve usually heard “heat.” But I’ve also heard “pain,” “suffering” and “austerities.” Why do I want to be hot? Heat purifies. Boiling water makes it potable. Smelting metals removes impurities. Ironing clothes removes wrinkles. Now think about the last time someone said something hurtful to you. Something that really […]
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The Niyamas : Santosha
Santosha means “contentment.” “Contentment,” it seems to me, is not the same thing as “happiness.” “Happiness” sometimes implies a kind of delusion. To be “happy” all the time means to deny that struggles of daily life; to completely ignore that there is sadness, famine, war, disease. To be “happy” with how things are might be […]
Read “The Niyamas : Santosha”