Posts In: Yamas and Niyamas

Willingness to Unite:

In the realm of yoga, Ishvara Pranidhana involves entrusting oneself to the divine essence. The term “Ishvara” signifies the divine, while “Pranidhana” translates to surrender. Contrary to the common misconception of surrender as weakness or failure, in yoga, it signifies the willingness to unite with the cosmic order. Yoga, fundamentally meaning union, requires the relinquishment of control—a willingness to trust that one is precisely where they need to be, even in discomfort. Unfortunately, societal teachings often equate surrendering control with weakness, instilling fear about the potential consequences of losing it. However, holding onto an illusion of control restricts the natural, creative flow of the universe, hindering personal growth and happiness. (more…)

Embarking on the journey of self-discovery often prompts us to ponder the profound question, “WHO AM I?” Within the realm of yogic philosophy, the 4th Niyama, known as Svadhayaya or the Study of the Self, emerges as a guiding beacon on this soul-searching path. In this exploration, individuals may find themselves questioning how one goes about studying the intricacies of their own being. This process, like any scholarly pursuit, demands curiosity, focus, and a deep-seated desire to understand and integrate acquired knowledge into daily life. (more…)

In the realm of yoga philosophy, Tapas is a concept that holds profound significance. Derived from the Sanskrit root “tap,” meaning “to burn,” Tapas is often translated as “discipline,” “austerity,” or “burning enthusiasm.” It is a powerful concept that encourages individuals to cultivate self-discipline and passion in their pursuits, ultimately leading to personal transformation and growth. In the context of yoga, Tapas is considered one of the Niyamas, which are ethical principles guiding personal conduct and self-discipline. (more…)

Santosha, the second Niyama from the Yoga Sutras, encourages us to cultivate a profound sense of contentment and joy in our lives, relationships, and possessions. It urges us to embrace the mantra, “I am happy, I am grateful for all that I have.” Santosha compels us to become mindful of thoughts and emotions that misalign with our core belief in happiness. Even if we generally feel content, there are moments when we catch ourselves wishing for something more, saying, “I wish I had ______,” “If only I could ______,” or “When I get ______, then I will be happy.” These desires can take countless forms, but they all divert the mind away from true contentment.  No matter how much we possess, if we cannot tap into that inner wellspring of happiness, we remain in a ceaseless quest to fill an insatiable void. (more…)

The Niyamas, the second limb of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path, offer profound insights into the art of self-care and self-discovery within the yogic philosophy. They are about cultivating a better relationship with ourselves. I like to think of them as a way to measure how we treat ourselves when no one is watching. Among these five guiding principles is Saucha, which centers around the concept of purity, both inside and outside of our beings. In this exploration, we delve into the ways in which Saucha encourages us to cleanse our physical and mental spaces to facilitate inner clarity and harmony. (more…)

Aparigraha, the final among the five Yamas, is a fundamental principle in the realm of yoga philosophy, encompassing the concepts of non-grasping, non-hoarding, and non-greed. While I may humorously reference my proficiency in adhering to this Yama by virtue of my frequent decluttering and willingness to part with possessions, the reality is that each of us grapples with certain possessions and attachments that prove challenging to relinquish. An examination of our personal attachments can lead to profound self-discovery, uncovering hidden resistances to the act of letting go. (more…)

Tame Our Overindulgences

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Exploring Asteya, the Yogic Principle of Non-Stealing

In the profound realm of yoga philosophy, the Yamas serve as ethical guidelines, offering us a profound understanding of how to navigate life with intention, compassion, and mindfulness. Asteya, the third Yama, stands as a beacon of simplicity: don’t steal. At its surface, Asteya calls upon us to refrain from taking what doesn’t rightfully belong to us. While few of us would readily label ourselves as thieves, this yogic principle delves deep into the subtler, often overlooked ways we inadvertently pilfer not just from others but from our own well-being, both on and off the yoga mat. Asteya invites us to illuminate the quiet acts of theft that can impact our self-perception and, consequently, our actions in the world. (more…)

In the realm of yoga and its ethical guidelines, there exists a concept known as Satya, the second of the five Yamas. At its core, Satya translates to Truthfulness, but its significance runs deeper than mere honesty. Let’s embark on a journey through this profound principle and discover how it can transform your life. (more…)

In the realm of yoga philosophy, Ahimsa takes its place as the very first Yama—an ethical guideline of utmost significance. Often referred to as non-violence or non-harming, Ahimsa beckons us to scrutinize our interactions with ourselves and the world around us. Initially, it may seem as if this concept is simply a call to refrain from physical acts of brutality, a reflection of the gruesome events that often make headlines or flood our social media feeds. Yet, upon closer examination, we discover that the essence of Ahimsa transcends the boundaries of obvious violence, manifesting in the most subtle corners of our existence, affecting us on profound levels. (more…)