What are niyamas in yoga?

Niyamas or the code of conduct of yoga

The path to fulfillment can sometimes seem long and winding. As we now know, regular yoga practice helps support individuals in their quest for fulfillment and fulfillment. Yoga is a philosophy of life that concerns not only the physical aspect and breathing, but also the mental field, emotions, and touches on subtle planes.

As the yogi evolves, he discovers facets of his personality that are sometimes unsuspected. He learns to tame what he considers to be his faults and to sublimate them, he uses his qualities to inspire the world.

The niyamas that we discuss here are in some ways a moral code of conduct that serves to support and help yoga practitioners in their evolution. They are rules of life in our relationship with ourselves.

There are five niyamas.

1. Saucha: hygiene

This precept encourages us to take care of ourselves; to eat well for example, but also to cultivate a serene state of mind and good intentions. By clearing our minds, we leave room for beautiful opportunities and we have the mind available to welcome them.

2. Santosha: Contentment

This niyama encourages us to truly appreciate what we have, what we experience, because it consists of paying homage to life and the experiences it sends us, in order to make us grow. Santosha reveals to us that we can be happy simply by being observant of what we possess and loving what we experience.

3. Tapas: Consistency

It is by working with determination and perseverance that we achieve our goals. Thus, in the practice of yoga, we must train diligently every day if we want to progress. Tapas is the motivating energy that we all possess and that it is good to cultivate in order to fully accomplish ourselves.

4. Swadhyaya: introspection

Here we are advised to stay centered and aware of our thoughts and emotions at every moment. To do this, we put ourselves in the position of a benevolent observer. This is a self-analysis without judgment, to know how to act and react while being as connected as possible with what we really want.

5. Ishwara pranidhana: devotion

This last principle invites us to get rid of an ego that is often too invasive and turn towards the Truth, full consciousness, this magnificent greatness that we all possess within us. When we eliminate the ego, there is nothing left than our true Self, which is love and kindness.

Far from being strict dogmas, niyamas are positive intentions that can help the individual give and embody the best of himself. They work hand in hand with yamas, which are rules of conduct in our relationship with others.

What does this inspire in you? Do you feel ready to test these principles in your life?