The Five Niyamas of Raja Yoga

Photo by Robert Anasch on Unsplash

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Diligence is the mother of good luck.

​- Benjamin Franklin

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This blog post is part of our Yoga Sutras series.  
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Yoga Sutra 2.32
शौचसंतोषतपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि नियमाः
śaucasaṃtoṣatapaḥsvādhyāyeśvarapraṇidhānāni niyamāḥ

Niyama is purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to the Universal Self

As a complement to the five Yamas we studied last month, Niyama encourages us to cultivate inner strength through five essential observances: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (self-discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Isvara Pranidhana (surrender to the Universal Self). These principles invite clarity, peace, and an unshakeable joy into our daily routines and interactions with ourselves.

​Sutras 2.40 to 2.45 offer insights into the development of each of the five Niyamas. We’ll again use the practice of pratipaksha bhavanam to describe how we can “cultivate the contrary.”

Saucha (Purity): Cultivating Cleanliness
Yoga Sutra 2.40-2.41

From cleanliness, disinterest in one’s own body contact with other bodies arises. (2.40)  By purification of one’s essence, one gains cheerfulness, concentration, control over one’s senses, and the fitness to realize the Self. (2.41)

Saucha, or purity, reminds us of the importance of cleanliness and neatness, not only in our external environment but also within our minds and souls. Embracing Saucha encourages a lifestyle that supports health and well-being, fostering a clear, joyful mind that is reflected in the brightness of ourselves and our surroundings. 

We needn’t have fancy possessions or the latest gadgets, but keeping what we do have in good order is not only practical, it’s respectful.  The same is true of our body.  It may have its own limitations but we must treat the home of our soul as respectfully as we treat the home of our body if we want to have the best health and clearest mind possible.

Santosha (Contentment): Cultivating Equipoise
Yoga Sutra 2.42

Through contentment one gains supreme happiness.

Santosha, or contentment, teaches us the art of being at peace with what we have, finding happiness in the present moment, and nurturing gratitude for the simple joys of life. This principle is particularly resonant in our fast-paced world, offering a haven of tranquility amidst the storms of desire and expectation. 

BKS Iyengar explains that “through cleanliness of the body, contentment is achieved.  Together they ignite the flame of tapas, propelling the sadhaka (seeker) towards the fire of knowledge.” (155)  Tapas is the fiery self-discipline that keeps us motivated and on track and is also the third Niyama.

Tapas (Self-Discipline): Cultivating Determination
Yoga Sutra 2.43

Once one attains power over the body and senses, impurities dwindle and a burning zeal to reach the goal develops.

Tapas, or austerity, invites us into the realm of self-discipline and passionate commitment to our personal growth and spiritual practices. Igniting the fire within purifies and strengthens us, like the firing of a precious metal.  This fire or zeal (tapas) helps us burn away impurities and kindle the flames of transformation. 

This may seem contradictory to the idea of the Yama ahimsa (non-violence).  After all, isn’t burning harmful?  Not always.  It may be painful but sometimes things must be transformed, otherwise change doesn’t happen.  The residue of fire, ashes, can even fertilize new growth. 

Iyengar calls this “the inner himsa (violence) by which we create the possibility of outer ahimsa.” (156)  You cannot stop yourself from a harsh action, word or judgment without self-discipline.

Svadhyaya (Self-Study): Cultivating Understanding
Yoga Sutra 2.44

By study which leads to awareness of the Self, one communes with one’s personal chosen deity.

Svadhyaya (self-study) encourages a reflective journey inward, exploring the layers of our being and the timeless wisdom of spiritual texts.  This fosters a deep, personal connection to our own chosen divine teachings and to the divinity within ourselves. 

This is the principle of self-awareness and implies both an outward search through sacred texts and an inward search through meditation and yoga.  Swami Satchidananda tells us that “regular practice becomes study.” (149) 

And as my own teacher, Sonia Sumar says, “too much theory intoxicates.”  It’s not enough to know what others have said about the spirit.  One has to discover it for themselves through their own personal sadhana (spiritual practice), which could be through yoga or by some other method. 

However, the principle of svadhyaya encourages us to choose a method wisely and select one backed by people who have achieved the goal before us.  That is why self-study includes reading sacred texts that resonate with the individual.  It’s easier if you have a map. 

This leads by cause and effect to communion with one’s own deity, which is simply a person’s image of the divine that they compose through their own process of self-awareness and self-understanding.

Isvara Pranidhana (Surrender to the Universal Spirit): Cultivating Humility
Yoga Sutra 2.45

Samadhi is attained by total surrender to the Universal Spirit. 

Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to a higher power), guides us to trust in the flow of life and the benevolence of the universe. It’s a practice of devotion and faith, an acknowledgment that we are part of a grand, intricate composure, far beyond our understanding.  When we surrender totally - which may be an experience you’ve had in Yoga Nidra before - we stop thinking and start being. 

The experience of just being is exactly how all the masters of yoga have explained both the experience of Samadhi, or enlightenment, and the Universal Spirit, or Purusha.  Surrendering to that capacity within us, we realize how we are one with that Spirit.  Once we truly understand that, we will be enlightened.

The Niyamas are boundaries we place on our interactions between ourselves and our inner world.  We keep ourselves and our surroundings in good order, find contentment in the ups and downs of life, develop self-discipline, commit to the hard work of self-study, and finally, must surrender our efforts.

As we weave these principles of Niyama into our lives, we discover not just discipline but a deep well of joy, a sense of purpose, and a connection to the divine. They teach us to embrace each moment with an open heart, guiding us on a path of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and ultimately, a life lived in harmony and peace.

Next month, we talk yoga asana, or the third limb of Raja Yoga.

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How do you feel about Niyama?  Do you already use some of these practices when interacting with yourself?  What is challenging about applying them?  What results have you noticed by careful, sustained application?