The eight limbs of yoga are a series of steps that are said to lead to enlightenment. These steps are outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a centuries old text written in India. Although the best known is asana, the third limb, there are many other steps.
The eight limbs are Yama (universal morality with others) Niyama (universal morality towards self), Asanas (physical yoga poses), Pranayama (control of prana through breath), Pratyahara (control of senses), Dharana (concentration and stillness), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (enlightenment).
The second of the eight limbs is niyama, or the universal morality towards self. While the first limb, yama, discusses our morality towards others, niyama is defined as how we treat ourselves and the attitude we have toward ourselves.
There are five aspects, or observances, of niyama. These are shaucha or purity, samtosa, or contentment, tapas or endurance of opposites, svadhyaya or self study and ishvarapranidhana or self surrender to God.
The first observance of niyama is shaucha. This is described as purity or cleanliness in some texts. This includes both inner and outer purity. Outer purity or cleanliness involves personal hygiene. Inner cleanliness involves the health of the body and mind. A clean mind is free of destructive emotions, such as anger, hatred, pride, jealousy and other negative emotions that have the ability to poison the soul.
Samtosa means contentment. There is no path to enlightenment or spiritual happiness if we are unable to be content with our life and what we have. This observance involves accepting things as they are, without complaint and letting go of the all too common discontent and desire for more than we have in the present moment.
Tapas, or the endurance of opposites, involves accepting opposites and involves spiritual discipline. This idea is used in karma yoga and other spiritual forms of yoga. The idea is to accept opposites that exist in life, such as hunger and fullness. Tapas are intended to help keep the body, mind and spirit pure.
Svadhyaya is self study and this involves knowing the self and examining the inner self. This self study involves examining the self to learn more about you. This examination is intended to help the yogi discover destructive thoughts to get rid of them. Meditation is a commonly used method for self study.
Isvarapranidhana is self surrender to God. Building on the idea of contentment, this practice involves leaving the fulfillment of your needs in the hands of God. To truly be content and move toward enlightenment, it’s important to spend time in spiritual thought and contemplation. When these things are left to God, it’s easier to let go and be content in the moment.