Niyamas - Ethics of Yoga
Eight limbs of yoga
What are the 8 limbs of Yoga?
Eight limbs of Yoga gives us guidance on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. These steps show us how to demolish confusion, free ourselves from useless habits, and gain better clarity in Life. More about Eight Limbs of Yoga here.
NIYAMAS
Niyamas are the second Limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. If you have not explored the first Limb - Yamas yet, I recommend seeing it here.
And now let's dive into the Niyamas..
Niyamas are a living treasure that survived hundreds and hundreds of years. Niyamas are the ethics or observances. Niyamas help us to align our internal environment and relationship with the mind and body.
Set Yourself Free..
#1 SHAUCHA
Saucha - purification
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Saucha - purification 〰️
Shaucha means (purification; and cleanliness) - Shaucha teaches us the importance of taking care of the physical body and mental body. Cleanliness and purity of the physical body - eating pure and healthy food, taking care of the body, sleeping well, exercising. Taking care of the mental and emotional body - maintaining healthy thinking, reducing stress, having positive affirmations towards the body, taking care of the mental health.
#2 SANTOSHA
Santosha - contentment
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Santosha - contentment 〰️
Santosha (contentment). Santosha is about throwing away all possessions and greed. Accepting Life as it is and generating gratitude for all Life. Santosha encourages individuals to find contentment and gratitude in the present moment, regardless of external circumstances or personal desires. It involves practice of accepting and appreciating.
#3 TAPAS
Tapas - self-discipline
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Tapas - self-discipline 〰️
Tapas (self-discipline). Tapas is about willpower, referring to transformative fire within. Tapas deprives us of poor behavior and unproductive habits. Tapas supports a strong life determination. Tapas go hand in hand with new and healthy habits. For instance: Yoga practice (waking up early in the morning and doing the “work” ) can lead to Tapas (strong determination, and willpower). As a result of it, we gain strength and empowerment in our lives.
#4 SVADHYAYA
Svadhyaya - self-study
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Svadhyaya - self-study 〰️
Svadhyaya (self-study and self-reflection). Svadhyaya is developed by meditation and inner introspection. When we look at ourselves and contemplate our life. This can involve studying sacred texts, scriptures, or philosophical teachings, as well as reflecting on our own thoughts or emotions. By practicing svadhyaya, we develop a deeper understanding of our own nature - specifically, we see our limitations. We use this self-knowledge to overcome any limitations.
#5 ISHVARA PRANIDHANA
Ishvara Pranidhana - Self-surrender
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Ishvara Pranidhana - Self-surrender 〰️
Ishvara Prahidhana (self-surrender). Ishavara Prahidhana is to surrender to the higher power of the divine or to yourself - dissolving the egocentric nature and letting it go. When we embody Ishvara Pranidhana, the yoga practice becomes an offering - from us to Life (to the Divine). This act of surrendering involves cultivating a sense of trust and faith in the journey of life, that fills our souls with grace and inner peace.
