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India’s Yoga Legacy for Modern Life

Philosophy

Niyama

Niyamaनियम· nee-YAH-mahobservance

Niyama is the second limb of yoga: five personal observances that cultivate inner discipline and self-care.

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The five niyamas are saucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas (discipline), svadhyaya (self-study) and ishvara pranidhana (surrender to the divine).

Frequently asked questions

What are the five niyamas?
Saucha (purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (disciplined effort), svadhyaya (self-study) and ishvara pranidhana (devotion or surrender).

References

  • Patanjali, Yoga Sutras 2.32 · Classical textNames the five niyamas.

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