Navigate modern life's noise with the profound wisdom of the Niyama
As a yoga educator, I often encounter students who question whether ancient yogic scriptures are still relevant in our fast-paced, modern world. They wonder if the teachings of the past can truly guide us through today's chaos and noise. The answer is a resounding YES. The only reason yoga has endured through millennia is because of its profound practicality and timeless wisdom. These teachings help us understand the purpose of human life and how to navigate it with grace and peace. Among these teachings, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras stand out, particularly the aphorisms which speak of the Niyama or personal observances.
Understanding Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a collection of 196 aphorisms, provide a comprehensive guide to living a meaningful and balanced life. Compiled thousands of years ago, these sutras address the workings of the human mind, which remains as relevant today as it was then. Patanjali understood that the human mind, despite the advancements in technology and society, fundamentally remains the same. It is prone to distractions, desires, fears and conflicts. The Yoga Sutras offer a path to manage these mental fluctuations and achieve inner peace.
The Niyama: Personal Observances for Inner Growth
The Niyama, outlined in the second chapter of the Yoga Sutras, are five personal observances that guide our behaviour and attitudes towards ourselves. These are:
Saucha (Purity):
Sanskrit Sutra: सत्वशुद्धिसौम्यम्न्वात्मप्रसादसौख्या || 2.41 ||
Translation: From purity arises purification of the mind, benevolence, one-pointedness, control of the senses and fitness for self-realisation.
Saucha or purity, involves cleanliness of the body, mind and environment. It encourages us to remove impurities and clutter that can cloud our thoughts and hinder our spiritual growth. Practicing Saucha includes maintaining a clean and healthy body, consuming pure and nutritious foods, and fostering a clean living space. Additionally, it involves cultivating purity of mind through positive and clean thoughts and intentions, avoiding negative influences, and engaging in practices that cleanse the mind, such as meditation and mindful breathing.
Santosha (Contentment):
Sanskrit Sutra: संतोषादनुत्तमसुखलाभः || 2.42 ||
Translation: By contentment, supreme joy is gained.
Santosha is the practice of finding contentment in the present moment, regardless of external circumstances. It teaches us to cultivate gratitude and satisfaction with what we have. Practicing Santosha involves appreciating the simple pleasures in life, being grateful for our experiences and accepting situations as they are without unnecessary resistance or craving for more. This observance helps us develop an inner sense of peace and fulfilment, reducing the constant desire for material possessions or external validation.
Tapas (Discipline):
Sanskrit Sutra: कायेद्रियनसिद्धिरशुद्धिक्षयात्तपसः || 2.43 ||
Translation: By austerity, impurities of the body and senses are destroyed, and spiritual power is gained.
Tapas refers to the practice of self-discipline and willpower. It involves committing to personal growth and enduring the discomforts that come with it. Tapas is about cultivating inner strength and perseverance through regular practice, whether it be yoga, meditation or other forms of self-improvement. It encourages us to embrace challenges and obstacles as opportunities for growth, pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones and developing resilience. Tapas is not about self-punishment but rather about fostering a dedicated and disciplined approach to personal and spiritual development.
Svādhyāya (Self-Study):
Sanskrit Sutra: स्वाध्यायादिष्टदेवतासंप्रयोगः || 2.44 ||
Translation: By self-study, union with the desired deity is achieved.
Svādhyāya is the study of the self through reflection, meditation, and the study of sacred texts. It encourages us to understand our true nature and our place in the universe. Practicing Svādhyāya involves regularly setting aside time for introspection, reading spiritual or philosophical literature and engaging in practices that promote self-awareness. This observance helps us gain insight into our thoughts, behaviours and patterns, enabling us to make conscious choices that align with our highest self. It also fosters a deeper connection with the divine or a higher power, guiding us on our spiritual journey.
Ishvara Pranidhāna (Surrender to a Higher Power):
Sanskrit Sutra: समाधिसिद्धिरीश्वरप्रणिधानात् || 2.45 ||
Translation: By surrender to God, Samadhi is achieved.
Ishvara Pranidhāna is the practice of surrendering to the divine or a higher power. It involves letting go of ego and trusting in the greater plan of the universe. Practicing Ishvara Pranidhāna means developing a daily practice of devotion or meditation, focusing on surrender and trust. It encourages us to relinquish control over every aspect of our lives, acknowledging that there is a higher intelligence guiding us. This observance helps us cultivate humility, faith and a sense of peace, knowing that we are part of a larger, interconnected whole.
But can Niyama be applied in modern life?
While the Niyama are deeply philosophical, they can be practically applied in our daily lives to foster inner peace and personal growth:
Saucha (Purity):
Start your morning fresh, on an empty stomach encourage yourself to drink a glass or two of warm water (regardless of the season), continue with cleansing and freshening up morning routine, such as brushing your teeth, showering and tidying up your space.
Set aside 30mins in the morning for yourself, stay digital free, silent, avoid interactions with anyone around you in these 30mins and keep away from external stimulations. Practice Anulom Viloma (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramari or OM/AUM chanting. Start with 5mins and gradually increase to 15, 20 and then 30mins.
Practice mental cleanliness by engaging in positive thinking and avoiding negative influences, such as toxic media or conversations.
Maintain a clean diet, opting for whole, unprocessed foods which nourish your body and mind.
Santosha (Contentment):
Cultivate gratitude by keeping a daily journal where you list things you are thankful for.
Practice mindfulness and stay present in the moment, appreciating the simple joys of life.
Learn to talk less and listen more.
Avoid comparing yourself to others, and focus on your own journey and progress.
Tapas (Discipline):
Set personal goals and create a realistic plan to achieve them, breaking them down into manageable and practical steps.
Develop a consistent āsana and meditation practice, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.
Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and push through discomfort with determination.
Svādhyāya (Self-Study):
Dedicate time each day to self-reflection through journaling or meditation.
Read and contemplate sacred texts or spiritual literature that resonate with you.
Engage in activities that promote self-awareness, such as yoga, therapy or mindfulness practices.
Ishvara Pranidhāna (Surrender to a Higher Power):
Develop a daily practice of prayer or ritual, focusing on surrender and trust.
Let go of the need to control every aspect of your life and trust that things will unfold as they are meant to.
Connect with nature, recognising the divine presence in the world around you.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutra and the Niyama provide a timeless framework for living a balanced and meaningful life. By integrating these personal observances into our daily routines, we can navigate the complexities of modern life with greater ease and inner peace. The wisdom of the Yoga Sutras transcends time because it addresses the fundamental nature of the human mind, which remains unchanged. Embracing the Niyama help us cultivate purity, contentment, discipline, self-awareness and surrender, leading to a harmonious and fulfilling life.
As we continue our yoga journey, let us remember that these ancient teachings are not just relics of the past but practical tools which can guide us toward a more peaceful and purposeful existence. By living the principles of the Niyama, we honour the essence of yoga and bring its transformative power into our everyday lives.
Namaste!
Madhura
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