Niayama (Observences) :
Sage Patanjali has emphasized on 5 types of Niyamas which ought to be practiced daily but can be omitted in a special circumstance or time or location. These are -
- Saucha (cleansing or purification)
- Santosh (contentment)
- Tapa (austerity)
- Swadhyaya (self study)
- Iswara Pranidhan (Surrender to Dharma)
1. Saucha (cleansing or purification) : This is called detoxification. Saucha should be practiced daily like urination, excretion, taking bath, shampooing hair, cleansing teeth, if you are in corporate sector then shaving regularly, cutting the nails, cleansing the eyes with herbal eye drops. When you become habitual in saucha your body becomes radiant.
2. Santosh (contentment) : Contentment is the good quality and ingredient in Yoga. We should be contented in eating, drinking, touring, entertainment, sex also in the wealth but not be contented in study, meditation and wisdom enhancement.
3. Tapa (austerity) :Austerity or tapas is one of 5 niyamas. Physical or mental discipline is called tapas. This is required to sit in any posture for long time for meditation or accomplishment of the assignments to you with disciplined mind.
4. Swadhyaya (self study) : Self study is essential. It really means the study about the self which needs the self-introspection and constant contemplation.
5. Iswara Pranidhan (Surrender to Dharma) :The surrender towards the God is necessary. When we aim a result, we make the efforts and it the desired result don't come we get frustrated in that case we should surrender to the God who knows the well about our requirements and the needs. If He doesn't give any result what we understand as necessary might be harmful or injurious for us. To save us from danger sometimes he doesn't give the desired one or result. Surrender towards the Dharma or God saves us from depression, frustration and weaknesses.
We should try to perfect all of 5 constituents of Niyamas.