By Swami Harshananda
Niyama literally means ‘that which restrains’.
Niyama as per Yogasutras[edit]
In the most general sense, the word ‘niyama’ means a rule or discipline. This includes things that are ordained or prohibited, especially during the observance of vratas or religious vows. In the Yogasutras of Patañjali[1] it forms the second of the eight steps of yoga and comprises these five disciplines:[2]
- Śauca - cleanliness
- Santoṣa - contentment
- Svādhyāya - study of scriptures
- Tapas - austerity
- Īśvara praṇidhāna - devotion to God and dedication of the fruits of work
Niyama as per Hathayogapradīpikā[edit]
The Hathayogapradīpikā[3] gives a longer list of disciplines under niyama. They are:
- Tapas - austerity
- Santoṣa - contentment
- Āstikya - faith in God
- Dāna - giving gifts, charity
- Īśvarapujana - worship of God
- Siddhānta-vākyaśravaṇa - listening to the statements of the scriptures
- Hrī - modesty
- Mati - discerning mind
- Japa - repetition of mantras
- Huta - sacrifice, oblations in duly consecrated fire
Niyama as per Sanskrit Grammar[edit]
In Sanskrit grammar it refers to a restricting rule as prevailing over a general rule.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore