The Niyamas are observances for oneself and are five in number. They are Shaucha or purity, Santosha or contentment, Tapas or practices that lead to perfection of body and mind and senses, Svadhyaya or study that leads to knowledge of the Self and Ishwara Pranidhana or surrender to the Ultimate Reality.

Shaucha involves purity both of the body and the mind. Purity of the body is easily achieved but not purity of the mind. To achieve purity of the mind one should cultivate Smriti or mindfulness and Buddhi or discrimination. That is, one should always be aware of one’s thoughts and should learn to discriminate between pure and impure thoughts on the basis of whether they lead to greater freedom or greater bondage and ignorance. Sincerity and perseverance are essential in cultivating this Niyama.

Santosha or contentment is a state of mind which is not dependent on one’s material status. A beggar can be as content, if not more so, than a king. Man’s desires are insatiable and no sooner is one fulfilled than another arises. The mind is, therefore, in a constant state of agitation. Tranquility is possible only through cultivation of
Santosha. Contentment should not, however, lead to slackening of all effort. Efforts should stem from a sense of duty and service rather than from discontent and anticipation of the fruits of one’s efforts.

Tapas has often been wrongly interpreted as excessive austerity and mortification of the flesh exemplified by hair shirts and beds of nails. In the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord Krishna clearly states that yoga is not for him who indulges the flesh nor for him who tortures it. Tapas literally means that which generates heat.

This heat arises in one full of spiritual fervor, one with a burning desire for enlightenment. Acts which increase this spiritual fervor constitute Tapas. A simple life free from sensual indulgence, regulated fasting, changing the name of the Lord, serving one’s fellowmen, all constitute Tapas. Through Tapas one develops strength of body and mind and the blaze of spiritual fervor burns brighter.

Svadhyaya is study leading to knowledge of the Self. This study begins with intellectual pursuit and understanding of the scriptures and other books of spiritual value. Rational acceptance of spiritual truths leads upon further reflection and meditation to intuitive insights and then to true understanding of these truths. These insights are supported by the study of the internal states of consciousness. Only then does knowledge of the Self begin to dawn on the aspirant.

Ishwara Pranidhana or surrender to the Ultimate Reality is possible only with infinite faith and dedication. Such a total surrender is achieved only with time, sincerity and perseverance. The ego has great tenacity and resists such a complete surrender. When the ego is transcended knowledge of one’s true nature is attained.

Editor’s Note

This is an excerpt from Lectures on Yoga, Practical Lessons on Yoga by Swami Rama, Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the USA, 1976, pages 19 – 20. This book was later published with the title The Royal Path, Practical Lessons on Yoga.

For all Swami Rama’s and Swami Veda Bharati’s published works, please visit www.yogapublications.org or email info@yogapublications.org.

Published works of Swami Rama and Swami Veda Bharati are also available at other venues.