In the western world, we commonly associate yoga with its physical poses, called asanas. But yoga is so much more. It is a holistic philosophy, designed to guide us toward a harmonious and purposeful life. The foundations of this philosophy, known as the Eight Limbs of Yoga, are described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These 8 Limbs provide a roadmap to true mindfulness and inner peace.
In a previous article, we explored the first of the 8 Limbs, the Yamas. Here, we’ll revisit the 8 limbs and then dive into the 2nd Limb, the Niyamas.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
While Asana and Pranayama are more widely practiced in modern yoga, it is the first two limbs, the Yamas and the Niyamas, that provide the ethical foundation for a meaningful practice and life. Let’s focus now on the Niyamas – the second Limb – and explore how we can practice each of these five personal observances in our everyday lives.
What Are the Niyamas?
The word Niyama comes from the Sanskrit root ni (meaning “inward” or “within”) and Yama (meaning “restraint”). Unlike the Yamas, which focus on how we interact with the outside world, the Niyamas address our internal attitudes and behaviors. They help us cultivate discipline, clarity, and harmony within ourselves.
The five Niyamas are:
Saucha – Purity
Santosha – Contentment
Tapas – Self-discipline
Svadhyaya – Self-study
Isvara Pranidhana – Surrender to a higher power
Let’s explore each one and how it can be applied in daily life.
1. Saucha: Purity of being
Meaning: Saucha refers to cleanliness or purity – not just of the body, but also of the mind, emotions, and surroundings.
Ways to Practice Saucha:
- Physical Cleanliness: Start with basic hygiene – regular bathing, clean clothes, a tidy living space, and nourishing, whole foods. When your external world is clean, it supports inner clarity.
- Mental Purity: Be mindful of the content you consume – books, news, conversations, social media. Practices like journaling or meditation can help purify thoughts.
- Emotional Cleanliness: Let go of grudges, resentment, and negative thought loops. Learn to recognize emotions and how to release those that don’t serve your well-being.
2. Santosha: Contentment
Meaning: Santosha means contentment or acceptance. It is the ability to be at peace with what is, rather than constantly striving for more or resisting reality.
Ways to Practice Santosha:
- Gratitude practice: End your day by writing down three things that went well. Over time, you train your brain to notice the positive rather than focusing on what’s missing. This simple action can shift your mindset from one of lack to one of abundance.
- Let go of comparisons: Avoid comparing your life’s journey to others. Social media can often trigger dissatisfaction – notice when this happens and consciously refocus on your own path.
- Live in the present: Shift your focus from regrets about the past or anxieties about the future to the present moment.
We usually think of happiness as dependent on a set of circumstances. Contentment, on the other hand, is not dependent on anything. It’s a sense of not needing or wanting things to be different in order to feel “okay.”
Jillian Pransky
Deep Listening: A Healing Practice to Calm Your Body, Clear Your Mind, and Open Your Heart
3. Tapas: Self-discipline
Meaning: Tapas literally means “heat” or “burning” – symbolizing the fire of self-discipline that transforms us. It involves consistency, commitment, and conscious effort.
Ways to Practice Tapas:
- Maintain healthy routines: Stick to a morning or evening ritual. Even 10 minutes of consistent practice (meditation, stretching, journaling) builds discipline.
- Face discomfort: Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Tapas is about doing the hard thing when it aligns with your values—whether it’s setting boundaries, showing up for your practice, or working through emotional discomfort.
- Set attainable goals: Establish clear and achievable goals that challenge you and provide a sense of purpose. Rather than giving in to short-term desires, Tapas teaches us to stay the course in pursuit of meaningful goals.
4. Svadhyaya: Self-study
Meaning: Svadhyaya is the study of ourselves through reading, reflection, and introspection. It helps us understand our habits, patterns, and true nature. By consistently practicing self-awareness, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and move towards a more fulfilling life.
Ways to Practice Svadhyaya:
- Journaling: Write about your thoughts, emotions, and triggers. What are your recurring patterns? What beliefs drive your behavior?
- Studying wisdom literature: Read books that inspire spiritual or personal growth. Two personal favorites: Deep Listening by Jillian Pransky, and Living Your Yoga by Judith Hanson Lasater.
- Mindful observation: Practice being the witness. Notice how you react in different situations and ask, “What can I learn from this?”
5. Isvara Pranidhana: Surrender to a Higher Power
Meaning: Isvara Pranidhana means surrendering the ego and trusting in a force greater than oneself – whether that’s God, nature, the universe, or life itself.
Ways to Practice Isvara Pranidhana:
- Let go of control: Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Surrender is not passivity – it’s trusting the process, even when outcomes are uncertain.
- Acts of service and charity: Help others without expecting anything in return. Offer support, send positive energy, or simply be present for others. Engage in activities that connect you to something beyond your individual self.
- Non-attachment: Do your best and let go of the result. This relieves the anxiety of needing to “make everything happen.”
Integrating the Niyamas
Each Niyama complements the others and serves as a mirror to deepen your relationship with yourself. You don’t need to practice them all at once – choose one to focus on each day, week or month. Over time, these observances become part of your daily rhythm, subtly reshaping your inner world.
Final Thoughts
The Niyamas offer a powerful way to align your inner world with your outer actions. In our fast-paced culture that often emphasizes achievement over alignment, these inner disciplines remind us to return to the heart of who we are. Practiced consistently, they help us live with more intention, balance, and peace.
Yoga isn’t just about what you do on the mat – it’s about how you live. The Niyamas are an invitation to create a life rooted in awareness, self-respect, and spiritual connection. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your life begin to shift in quiet, profound ways.
About the Author
Laurie Kelly, CPT, RYT-200 is the owner of Dragonfly Drishti Yoga. She is an experienced yoga instructor with advanced specialty training in Restorative, Yin, and Trauma-Informed yoga practices. She loves teaching others how to incorporate yoga and mindfulness into their daily lives, and thereby reach their personal wellness and life goals. Contact her here.