Niyamas - Personal Codes of Conduct
The second limb of Ashtanga Yoga is the Niyamas, which means observances, training. As Patanjali says in sutra 32, Book 2:
“Niyama consist of purity, contentment, accepting but not causing pain, study of spiritual books and worship of God.”
The Yamas and Niyamas together build up the ten ethical codes by which one should live his/her life. They are very similar to what we can find as Ten Commandments in Christian and Jewish faiths as well as the ten virtues of Buddhism.
“Yama consist of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and non-greed.”
1. Shaucha - Purity
Shaucha (purity): In sutra 40/II. Patanjali talks about the importance of purifying the body. Not only this means to purify the gross (physical) body, but also purfication on the mental and emotional plane. In fact he encourages us to spend time on deeper layers rather than just the body, and go into spiritual matters.
“The real union is not the union of two bodies.”
Once we understand this and move onto the level of purifying our mind, work on our discipline, we will reach the mindset to welcome the guru (remover of darkness, spiritual guide, teacher). In today’s society we are focusing a lot on our appearances, but by following this guidance it can only be beneficial to focus on the true self, attaining an attitude where we tune in with both ourselves and the guru withhin. This guru doesn’t necessarily have to be a person, but can mean knowledge in general, coming from different sources. If we are attentive, self-reflective and not obsessed with our appearances, we are more likely to pick up knowledge that is presented for us in various shapes or forms. Grergor Maehle also has a great way to look at shaucha in his book Samadhi, The Great Freedom:
“Through practicing the higher limbs, we recognise that the negative emotions we harbour against others are nothing but our own externalised inner conflicts. We hate others because of their similarity with what we see in ourselves. By accepting our own dark sides and shortcomings, we forgive ourselves and thus let go of any polluted thoughts and emotions we have towards others.”
2. Santosha - Contentment
It means the state of happiness and being content with what is given for us, without forcing ourselves after things.
“If something comes, let it come, if not, it doesn’t matter.”
Should we take this strictly and stop putting effort into achieving our goals? This can be understood in a very dangerous way, but I think what it means, is not get attached to what we desire to the point when we become obsessed with those desires. We need to put effort and work into things we want to achieve, but along the journey we should always feel gratitude for what we already have (things, jobs, money, relationships, spiritual state) while not chasing a better state relentlessly and allow disappointment if life lays another path for us. We must realise, that the world is the reflection of Divine perfection, and that any imperfection has been introduced by us, humans, superimposing our concepts onto it. Realising this will lead to seeing perfection in the world and within ourselves.
3. Tapas - Austerity
Tapas means to accept suffering while the “burning” process is ongoing in order to purify. This can be physical and mental purification. By accepting pain and suffering we become more steady and open to experiences. Instead of running away from pain, welcome it, stay open to the experience that brings pain and learn to master a steady mind, that helps us adapt, adjust and accommodate. By practicing tapas we are working towards our highest spiritual state, where instead of being hurt by insults, we are able to stay open and find joy in the benefits because of doing so. Tapas is the strength to perform the actions that will provoke and stabilise our spiritual evolution.
4. Svadhyaya - Self-study
This study can be of authoritative texts of spirituality as well as the study of oneself. Along the journey it’s important to look beyond the ego, stay conscious and self-reflective, while breaking bad habits and becoming acceptant towards our limitations. By continuous studies, we will be able to realise the importance of our lives for the Divine.
Who are we? What is our true identity? What is the purpose of our lives?
To seek the answers for these questions is the act of svadhyaya.
5. Ishvarapranidhana - Self-surrender
In sutra 45, Book 2 Patanjali says:
“By total surrender to God, samadhi is attained.”
Once we surrender to the Divine and offer all our possessions, we are able to eliminate worrying from our lives. All worries come from the sense of attachment and clinging to possessions. This teaching is very useful not only to help one to get to samadhi (superconscious state), but as a practice throughout our days. If we practice this mental detachment (from things, places, people, jobs, money etc.) we are learning not to worry, which is such a common “disease” in today’s society. Instead surrender to the Divine, and everything that represents the Divine (humanity and all nature) and so we can let go of expectations, worries and develop a tranquil mind. It is to see and treat all being as children of the Divine and experience one’s own pure consciousness as God Transcendent.