Niyamas in yoga: a deep dive into the five ethical principles

"Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi — these are the eight limbs of yoga."

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Chapter 2. Sadhanapada. Sutra 29

Yoga is a system of self-development consisting of eight stages. Each stage prepares the body and mind for the next. The first two — yama and niyama — form the philosophical foundation for all subsequent practices. These are principles that one integrates into everyday life and strives to follow in any situation. Without internalizing them, it's difficult to stay steady on the path of self-growth.

The second limb of yoga — niyama — focuses on shaping character and strengthening the body and mind. Niyamas serve as a moral compass for developing self-discipline and personal growth.

«Niyama» is traditionally translated fr om Sanskrit as ‘rules, guidelines’ or ‘virtues’ ^12345678. Niyamas represent the inner work we do on ourselves. By following these guidelines, one leads a healthier and more ethical life, laying the groundwork for further self-improvement. Applying the principles of niyama both on and off the mat, a person comes to better understand themselves, works on character traits, and grows in various aspects of life.

The sage Patanjali describes five niyamas^12345678:

1. Shaucha – purity of the environment, body and mind.
2. Santosha – contentment under any circumstances.
3. Tapas – self-discipline, conscious austerity.
4. Svadhyaya – self-study, self-reflection.
5. Ishvara pranidhana – surrender to a higher power, trust in the life path, and a deep sense of gratitude for every experience.

These five principles aim at self-transformation, the enhancement of self-discipline, the cultivation of inner harmony and a deeper understanding of oneself and the nature of reality.

While it’s generally recommended to practice the yamas in a sequential order, the niyamas can be approached with more flexibility²⁴⁵. As one’s practice deepens, the understanding of niyamas also evolves. For example, in descriptions of shaucha, physical purification might involve practicing asanas and pranayamas, while mental purification could involve self-study, meditation, or reading ancient texts.

Mastering the yamas allows one to gradually move into practice of niyamas, asanas, and pranayamas at the same time. As the journey continues, new dimensions of the niyamas unfold. Despite the temptation to overlook them, it is essential not to abandon the practice of niyamas: these foundational yoga principles help keep practitioners firmly on the yogic path. As one’s energy shifts, ingrained behavioral patterns can heavily influence the mind. The practice of yama and niyama serves as a buffer zone — a reminder of what truly matters. Niyamas support character development and the replacement of old, unhelpful habits with new, positive ones.

«Shaucha» translates as ‘purity’ or ‘clarity’. This principle calls for maintaining cleanliness in all aspects — in one’s surroundings, body, and mind. By practicing shaucha, a person creates a supportive environment both externally and internally, fostering personal growth and development^12345678.

The practice of shaucha involves:

• order in one’s environment;
• cleanliness of clothing and equipment;
• observance of personal hygiene;
• caring for the body: daily physical activity, healthy and moderate nutrition, and cleansing techniques (shatkarmas);
• healthy relationships with others;
• purity of speech: correctness, politeness, and articulate expression;
• purity of thoughts: striving to maintain a calm mind and purify the consciousness fr om negative tendencies such as anger, aggression, lust, and others.

Where to begin practicing shaucha

Start with tidying your physical space. It might seem that outer order is less important than inner peace. But have you ever noticed how pleasant it feels to be in a space where everything is in its place? External cleanliness influences productivity, emotional stability and clarity of perception. It naturally inspires a desire to bring order to one’s tasks and thoughts. It’s easy to maintain a clean or orderly environment when the mind is calm — but as soon as stress arises, it becomes more difficult. Focusing the mind on simple daily tasks can gradually increase mindfulness. Try approaching cleaning with full attention — beyond just tidying, it can become a form of mental training.

Purity of the body is the key to mental clarity

The cleanliness of the body also affects the mind. Physical inactivity, imbalances in the body, cravings for certain foods, overeating, and stress eating — all these influence mental clarity. The body can be cleansed through hatha yoga, pranayama, and moderate, balanced nutrition. Simple, nourishing food — free fr om excess salt or spices — helps maintain a calm and clear mind. Correcting physical imbalances and practicing cleansing techniques (shatkarmas) has a positive effect on both physical and mental health. A healthy person naturally feels drawn toward self-development, training mindfulness, concentration, and mental clarity.

Working with the mind

Alongside cleansing your environment and body, it is essential to work with the mind. After integrating the five yamas into one’s life, it becomes much easier to maintain a pure and focused state of mind. This helps practitioners stay composed and cantered in a variety of situations. They are already free from the urge to harm, deceive, or possess what isn’t theirs. It becomes easier to control emotions and cultivate gratitude for what one already has. The principle of shaucha reinforces these values, further organizes mental activity, and nurtures awareness.

“When the body is cleansed, the mind purified, and the senses controlled, joyful awareness arises, paving the way for realization of the inner Self.”

B. K. S. Iyengar. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. A Commentary. Chapter 2. Sadhanapada. Sutra 41.

By freeing ourselves from clutter, distractions and heavy thoughts, we open our consciousness to new possibilities. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, shaucha is the first niyama — a reminder that purity and clarity require consistent effort, forming the foundation for a harmonious life and ongoing self-transformation.

The term santosha comes from the Sanskrit roots «sam» (meaning ‘completely’ or ‘entirely’) and «tosha» (meaning ‘contentment’ or ‘acceptance’). Santosha refers to a balanced attitude toward all that happens — a state of deep inner peace. By practicing contentment, a person frees themselves from cravings and desires. Only someone liberated from such influences can follow their true calling without fear. This practice teaches us to find joy in the present moment^12345678.

By cultivating santosha, a practitioner gradually becomes calm and accepting of any circumstance. They cease to be dependent on external conditions, learn to accept themselves and the world as it is, and begin to perceive the deeper cause-and-effect relationships of life. In yoga, santosha can be practiced through asana — by accepting the body’s physical limitations.

When the yamas and niyamas are practiced in sequence, santosha often arises naturally from shaucha (purity). With a clean body and a pure mind, it becomes easier to manage emotions and desires. Through santosha, one becomes peaceful and no longer ruled by external situations. The principle of santosha emphasizes that true happiness comes from within, and that joy can be found in simplicity and gratitude for all that is.

How to practice santosha in daily life

• Cultivate gratitude (keeping a gratitude journal can help).
• Focus on the positive aspects of life without becoming overly attached to them. Avoid fixating on the negative.
• Refrain from judging events or other people’s behavior — instead, simply observe.
• Do what you believe is right without expecting praise in return.
• See challenges as stepping stones for growth and look for how they can be used effectively.
• Focus only on what you can truly change. Let go of worry over what’s beyond your control.

Santosha is an essential part of a mindful approach to life. By developing contentment, a person better handles stress, achieves emotional stability and grows on their path.

In the “Yoga Vasistha,” four gatekeepers to moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth) are described: vichara (self-inquiry), shanti (peace), satsang (keeping good company) and santosha (contentment). Sage Vasistha says that if a person masters santosha, the other three virtues will naturally follow⁸⁹.

Once a person has begun to integrate shaucha (purity) and santosha (contentment) into their life, they are ready to move on to the practice of tapas. The term translates as ‘austerity’ or ‘self-discipline’ and comes from the Sanskrit root «tap», meaning ‘to burn’^12345678.

B. K. S. Iyengar interprets tapas as «a passionate desire to achieve perfection — that which burns away all impurities» ².

Self-discipline strengthens, purifies, and refines both body and mind, clearing obstacles on the path of spiritual growth. It is the key to transforming consciousness. Without intelligent austerity, it is difficult to purify and fortify the body, mind, and spirit.

Tapas is a drive for personal growth — a burning desire to overcome one’s shortcomings, to burn them away in the fire of conscious self-restraint. By mastering this principle, a person learns to pursue goals with determination, discipline the mind, develop resilience, and gain the skills to overcome challenges — cultivating the qualities needed to advance on the yogic path.

Types of tapas:

1. Kaika (physical austerity) — discipline at the level of the body (e.g., observing ahimsa or brahmacharya).
2. Vachika (verbal austerity) — discipline in speech (e.g., practicing satya, non-harming in speech, reciting mantras or sacred texts aloud).
3. Manasika (mental austerity) — discipline of the mind (e.g., practicing santosha, Ishvara pranidhana and developing self-control).

Tapas is a powerful tool for achieving goals. Through regular austerity practices, one works directly with their own consciousness. When a person consciously ceases to follow their disciplines, their perception and character begin to shift. Regular austerity helps maintain focus and stay committed to one’s chosen path.

Scriptures contain examples of severe austerities, but T. K. V. Desikachar emphasizes that tapas must be intelligent self-restraint — it should serve the purpose of progress, not suffering. «Tapas should not cause harm», — he writes in one of his books. Otherwise, instead of evolving, a person may suffer a major setback. It can take much more time and effort to return to a consistent practice and reestablish mental discipline.

How to mindfully integrate tapas into daily life

• Regular yoga practice — it may be a 15-minute sequence, but practiced every day.
• Balanced diet and mindful eating — applying reasonable dietary restrictions.
• Keeping a journal and monitoring emotions — tracking thoughts and feelings to develop awareness.
• Consistent meditation practice — fostering inner clarity and discipline.
• Attending group classes — creating structure and a supportive environment.

Tapas is the conscious renunciation of what causes harm. Practicing this principle is essential for developing self-control, focus, wisdom, and inner integrity. Reasonable austerities help to discipline both body and mind.

"Svadhyaya" comes from two Sanskrit roots: “sva” (‘self’) and “adhyaya” (‘study, learning’). Another interpretation connects it with the root “dhyā” (‘to meditate’ or ‘to contemplate’). Both meanings imply the attentive, mindful study of the self^12345678.

Self-study involves respectful relationships with elders and peers and the ability to recognize the teacher or the divine in every person. Svadhyaya encompasses any form of reflection, conversation, or education that helps deepen self-awareness. This practice is especially relevant in a rapidly changing world, wh ere constant distractions make it difficult to stay connected to our inner self.

To better grasp the essence of the terms “self-knowledge” or “self-discovery”, it is recommended to read sacred scriptures. These texts help us navigate life’s difficulties, react to them appropriately and learn important lessons from them. Besides religious literature, any book that fosters personal growth and wisdom can serve this purpose. By learning from the experiences and examples described in such texts, we can avoid making mistakes and grow from the insight these texts offer. Another valuable source of learning is interaction with a more experienced practitioner.

Svadhyaya also means constant observation of oneself — contemplation of virtues, development of concentration. By analyzing our thoughts and actions, we begin to understand ourselves and our purpose more deeply.

Ways to integrate self-study into Life

• Keeping a journal; being attentive to thoughts, emotions, and actions.
• Observing patterns in one’s own behaviour.
• Meeting with like-minded individuals; attending yoga or meditation classes.
• Reading scriptures, spiritual literature, or scientific works on human psychology.
• Reflecting on virtues and how to apply them to oneself.
• Daily meditation practice — short mindfulness sessions and other techniques help uncover your deeper essence.

Svadhyaya is not just theoretical; it urges us to apply what we learn in life. Once we gain a piece of wisdom, it’s essential to embody it through action. Regular practice of hatha yoga, pranayama, and meditation enriches and deepens the journey of self-discovery.

Ishvara pranidhana is one of the most profound and challenging niyamas. “Ishvara” translates as ‘Lord’ or ‘Supreme Being,’ while “pranidhana” means ‘surrender,’ ‘offering,’ or ‘dedication’^12345678.

Ishvara pranidhana is the practice of complete surrender to a higher power — dedicating the fruits of one’s actions to the divine. The aspiration to understand this principle cultivates trust in the higher order: everything that happens is timely and necessary. As one studies the laws of the Universe, they begin to see its logic and witness how these laws unfold in everyday life. This understanding helps in overcoming stress and fear.

In Patanjali’s “Yoga sutras”, Ishvara pranidhana is described as dedicating one’s life and yoga practice to the higher power — performing actions sincerely without expectation of reward.

Ishvara pranidhana is trust in divine wisdom and in the journey of life. A person who embodies this principle acts with clarity and responsibility while being fully aware that everything unfolds according to a higher plan.

One who has mastered Ishvara pranidhana sees divine order in all things. They no longer question life’s events but trust the Universe deeply and understand its workings. Every moment of their existence becomes an act of devotion. Outward rituals are secondary — what matters is awareness and reverence for the higher force expressed through all actions. Such a person strives to faithfully follow all the yamas and niyamas passed down by ancient sages.

The principle of Ishvara pranidhana can only be fully grasped after integrating the preceding niyamas, particularly svadhyaya (self-study) and santosha (contentment). Svadhyaya leads one to recognize the presence of a greater intelligence that created and governs the laws of the Universe. Strengthening santosha is also essential — true contentment is only found in the present moment. We cannot change the past or foresee the future; the only power we have lies in the choices we make right now.

Patanjali teaches that to attain the goal of yoga, one must dissolve the ego and release endless identification with the self. Ishvara pranidhana reminds us to let go of attachments to unnecessary traits or possessions, making space for a deeper connection with the divine.

In yoga, the principle of Ishvara pranidhana can be followed through the practice of asanas combined with mantras and mudras, as well as through meditation and prayer — with the fruits of these practices offered to the higher power. In yogic philosophy, it is not necessary to choose a personal deity; it is enough to find an idea or spiritual wisdom that inspires and motivates you toward self-discovery.

In the flow of daily responsibilities, it may be difficult to follow all these principles at once. Choose one principle that resonates the most with you at the moment and begin to integrate it into your life. Once you are established in it, you can move on to the next. In your free time read about and reflect on the niyamas, observe how these principles appear in your daily life.

You don’t need to force yourself to do what doesn’t resonate with you — such austerity can have negative effects. Simply give yourself time, study the yamas and niyamas, and allow them to enter your life naturally. As your yogic practice deepens, your understanding of the niyamas will evolve and expand.

Gradually, as if in a game, new levels of insight will open up, along with new possibilities of the body and mind for practice. Your life will begin to change for the better.