The Niyamas ( sa, नियम, translit=Niyama) are positive duties or observances. In Indian traditions, particularly
Yoga
Yoga (; sa, योग, lit=yoke' or 'union ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India and aim to control (yoke) and still the mind, recognizing a detached witness-consci ...
, niyamas and their complement,
Yamas
The Yamas ( sa, यम, translit=Yama), and their complement, the Niyamas, represent a series of "right living" or ethical rules within Yoga philosophy. It means "reining in" or "control". These are restraints for proper conduct as given in the ...
, are recommended activities and habits for healthy living, spiritual enlightenment, and a liberated state of existence.
[ It has multiple meanings depending on context in Hinduism. In Buddhism, the term extends to the determinations of nature, as in the ]Buddhist
Buddhism ( , ), also known as Buddha Dharma and Dharmavinaya (), is an Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It originated in northern India as a -movement in the 5th century BCE, and ...
''niyama dhammas''.
Hinduism
Virtues are extensively discussed in various ancient and medieval era texts of Hinduism. In its Yoga school, they are described in first two of eight limbs (steps, branches, components). The first limb is called ''yamas
The Yamas ( sa, यम, translit=Yama), and their complement, the Niyamas, represent a series of "right living" or ethical rules within Yoga philosophy. It means "reining in" or "control". These are restraints for proper conduct as given in the ...
'', which include virtuous self-restraints (the "don'ts"). The second limb is called ''niyamas'' which include virtuous habits, behaviors and observances (the "dos"). These virtues and ethical premises are considered in Hinduism as necessary for an individual to achieve a self-realized, enlightened, liberated state of existence (moksha
''Moksha'' (; sa, मोक्ष, '), also called ''vimoksha'', ''vimukti'' and ''mukti'', is a term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism for various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and release. In its soteriologic ...
).
Five Niyamas
In Patanjali's Yoga Sutra
The ''Yoga Sutras of Patañjali'' is a collection of Sanskrit sutras (aphorisms) on the theory and practice of yoga – 195 sutras (according to Vyāsa and Krishnamacharya) and 196 sutras (according to others, including BKS Iyengar). The ' ...
s, the Niyamas are the second limb of the eight limbs of Yoga
Yoga (; sa, योग, lit=yoke' or 'union ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India and aim to control (yoke) and still the mind, recognizing a detached witness-consci ...
. Sadhana Pada Verse 32 lists the niyamas as:
# Shaucha
Shaucha () literally means purity, cleanliness and clearness. It refers to purity of mind, speech and body. Saucha is one of the Niyamas of Yoga. It is discussed in many ancient Indian texts such as the Mahabharata and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. It ...
(शौच): purity, clearness of mind, speech and body
# Santosha
Santosha ( skt. संतोष ''saṃtoṣa'') literally means "contentment, satisfaction". It is also an ethical concept in Indian philosophy, particularly Yoga, where it is included as one of the Niyamas by Patanjali.
Definition
''Santosha'' ...
(सन्तोष): contentment, acceptance of others and of one's circumstances as they are, optimism for self[N Tummers (2009), Teaching Yoga for Life, , page 16-17]
# Tapas
A tapa () is an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Tapas can be combined to make a full meal, and can be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as ''chopitos'', which are battered, fried baby squid, or patatas bravas). In so ...
(तपस्): austerity, self-discipline, persistent meditation, perseverance[Kaelber, W. O. (1976). "Tapas", Birth, and Spiritual Rebirth in the Veda, History of Religions, 15(4), 343-386][SA Bhagwat (2008), Yoga and Sustainability. Journal of Yoga, Fall/Winter 2008, 7(1): 1-14]
# Svadhyaya (स्वाध्याय): study of self, self-reflection, introspection of self's thoughts, speeches and actions
# Ishvarapranidhana
Īśvarapraṇidhāna "commitment to the Īśvara ("Lord")"N Tummers (2009), Teaching Yoga for Life, , page 16-17 is one of five Niyama (ethical observances) in Hinduism and Yoga.
Etymology and meaning
Īśvarapraṇidhāna is a Sanskrit compound ...
(ईश्वरप्रणिधान): contemplation of the Ishvara
''Ishvara'' () is a concept in Hinduism, with a wide range of meanings that depend on the era and the school of Hinduism. Monier Monier Williams, Sanskrit-English dictionarySearch for Izvara University of Cologne, Germany In ancient texts of ...
(God/Supreme Being, Brahman
In Hinduism, ''Brahman'' ( sa, ब्रह्मन्) connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe.P. T. Raju (2006), ''Idealistic Thought of India'', Routledge, , page 426 and Conclusion chapter part X ...
, True Self, Unchanging Reality),[ attunement to the supreme consciousness
]
Ten Niyamas
In the diverse traditions and historical debate within Hinduism, some texts suggest a different and expanded list of niyamas. For example, the Shandilya and Varaha Upanishad
The Upanishads (; sa, उपनिषद् ) are late Vedic Sanskrit texts that supplied the basis of later Hindu philosophy.Wendy Doniger (1990), ''Textual Sources for the Study of Hinduism'', 1st Edition, University of Chicago Press, , ...
s,[SV Bharti (2001), Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: With the Exposition of Vyasa, Motilal Banarsidas, , Appendix I, pages 680-691] the Hatha Yoga Pradipika,[ verses 552 to 557 in Book 3 of the ]Tirumandhiram
The ''Tirumantiram or Thirumantiram'' is a Tamil poetic work, written either in the 6th century CE or post 10th century CE by Tirumular and is the tenth of the twelve volumes of the ''Tirumurai'', the key texts of Saiva Siddhanta and the first k ...
of Tirumular suggest ten niyamas, in the sense of positive duties, desirable behaviors and discipline. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika lists the ten niyamas in the following order, in verse 1.18,Mikel Burley Mikel Burley is a scholar of religion and philosophy, known for his work on the Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Biography
Burley gained his B.A. in 1993 from the University of Essex, his M.A. from the University of Nottingham in 1997, and Ph.D.s ...
(2000), Haṭha-Yoga: Its Context, Theory, and Practice, Motilal Banarsidas, , pages 190-191
# Tapas
A tapa () is an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Tapas can be combined to make a full meal, and can be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as ''chopitos'', which are battered, fried baby squid, or patatas bravas). In so ...
(तपस् ): persistence, perseverance in one's purpose, austerity[
# Santoṣa (सन्तोष): contentment, acceptance of others and of one's circumstances as they are, optimism for self][
# Āstikya (आस्तिक्य): faith in Real Self (jnana yoga, raja yoga), belief in God (bhakti yoga), conviction in Vedas/Upanishads (orthodox school)]
# Dāna
Dāna (Devanagari: दान, IAST: Dānam) is a Sanskrit and Pali word that connotes the virtue of generosity, charity or giving of alms in Indian philosophies.
In Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, dāna is the practice of cultivati ...
(दान): generosity, charity, sharing with others
# Īśvarapūjana (ईश्वरपूजान): worship of the Ishvara (God/Supreme Being, Brahman
In Hinduism, ''Brahman'' ( sa, ब्रह्मन्) connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe.P. T. Raju (2006), ''Idealistic Thought of India'', Routledge, , page 426 and Conclusion chapter part X ...
, True Self, Unchanging Reality)
# Siddhānta vakya śrāvaṇa (सिद्धान्त वक्य श्रवण) or Siddhānta śrāvaṇa (सिद्धान्त श्रवण): Listening to the ancient scriptures
# Hrī (ह्री): remorse and acceptance of one's past, modesty, humility[
# Mati (मति): think and reflect to understand, reconcile conflicting ideas
# ]Japa
''Japa'' ( sa, जप) is the meditative repetition of a mantra or a divine name. It is a practice found in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, with parallels found in other religions.
''Japa'' may be performed while sitting in a medit ...
(जप): mantra repetition, reciting prayers or knowledge
# Huta (हुत) or Vrata
Vrata is a Sanskrit word that means "vow, resolve, devotion", and refers to pious observances such as fasting and pilgrimage ( Tirtha) found in Indian religions such as Jainism and Hinduism. It is typically accompanied with prayers seeking hea ...
(व्रत):
## Huta (हुत): rituals, ceremonies such as yajna
Yajna ( sa, यज्ञ, yajña, translit-std=IAST, sacrifice, devotion, worship, offering) refers in Hinduism to any ritual done in front of a sacred fire, often with mantras.SG Nigal (1986), Axiological Approach to the Vedas, Northern Book ...
sacrifice.
## Vrata (व्रत): Fulfilling religious vows, rules and observances faithfully.
Some texts replace the last niyama of ''Huta'' with ''Vrata''. The niyama of ''Vrata'' means making and keeping one's vows (resolutions), which may be pious observances. For example, a promise to fast and visit a pilgrimage site is a form of ''Vrata''. The education process in ancient India, where Veda
upright=1.2, The Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism. Above: A page from the '' Atharvaveda''.
The Vedas (, , ) are a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the ...
s and Upanishad
The Upanishads (; sa, उपनिषद् ) are late Vedic Sanskrit texts that supplied the basis of later Hindu philosophy.Wendy Doniger (1990), ''Textual Sources for the Study of Hinduism'', 1st Edition, University of Chicago Press, , ...
s were memorized and transmitted across generations without ever being written down, required a series of ''Vrata'' niyamas over a number of years.
Other Numbers of Niyamas
At least sixty five ancient and medieval era Indian texts are known so far that discuss Niyamas and Yamas.[ Most are in Sanskrit, but some are in regional Indian languages of Hindus. The number of Niyamas mentioned in these texts range from just one to eleven, however 5 and 10 are the most common.][ The order of listed niyamas, the names and nature of each niyama, as well as the relative emphasis vary between the texts.] For example, Sriprashna Samhita discusses only one Niyama in verse 3.22, and that Niyama being Ahimsa.[ Shivayoga Dipika, Sharada Tilaka, ]Vasishtha Samhita
The ''Vasishtha Samhita'' (Sanskrit: वासिष्ठसंहिता, ''Vāsiṣṭha Saṁhitā'', Vasishtha's Collection) is a 13th century medieval Vaishnavite text, one of the first to describe non-seated hatha yoga asanas including ...
, Yoga Kalpalatika, Yajnavalkya Smriti and many others, each discuss ten Niyamas.[ Bhagavata Purana discusses eleven Niyamas, with kind hospitality of guests, to one's best ability, as an additional virtuous behavior. Other texts substitute one or more different concepts in their list of Niyamas. For example, in the five Niyamas listed by Markandeya Purana in verse 36.17, Matanga Parameshvaram in verse 17.31 and Pashupata Sutra in verse 1.9, each suggest ]Akrodha
Akrodha (Sanskrit: अक्रोध) literally means "free from anger". It's considered an important virtue in Indian philosophy and Hindu ethics.
Etymology
''Akrodha'' is a fusion word between the Sanskrit prefix ''a'' (Sanskrit: अ; "without ...
(non-anger) as a Niyama.[
Many of the texts match Patanjali's five Niyamas. Ahimsa is the most widely discussed ethical theory, and highlighted as the highest virtue by majority of these texts.][
]
Overlap Between Yamas and Niyamas
Some yamas (restraints, the "don'ts") are understood as reverse of niyamas (attitudes, behaviors, the "dos") in the '' Hatha Yoga Pradipika''. For example, Ahimsa and ''Mitahara'' are called as yama as well as niyama in verse 1.17 and 1.40. The text calls Ahimsa ( nonviolence and non-injuring anyone by one's actions, words or in thoughts) as the highest virtuous habit, ''Mitahara
''Mitahara'' () literally means the habit of moderate food. Mitahara is also a concept in Indian philosophy, particularly Yoga, that integrates awareness about food, drink, balanced diet and consumption habits and its effect on one's body and mind ...
'' (moderation in one's eating and drinking habits) as the best personal restraint, and Siddhasana
Siddhasana ( sa, सिद्धासन; ) or Accomplished Pose, is an ancient seated asana in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise suitable for meditation. The names Muktasana (Sanskrit: मुक्तासन, Liberated Pose) and Burmese ...
as the foremost of Asanas in verse 1.40.
Buddhism
Buddhist commentary from the 5th to 13th centuries CE contains the ''pañcavidha niyama'', the fivefold niyamas, in the following texts:
* In the ''Aṭṭhasālinī'' (272-274), the commentary attributed to Buddhaghosa on the ''Dhammasangaṅi'', the first book of the Theravāda Abhidhamma Piṭaka;
* In the ''Sumaṅgala-Vilāsinī'' (DA 2.431), Buddhaghosa’s commentary on the ''Dīgha Nikāya'';
* In the ''Abhidhammāvatāra'' (PTS p. 54), a verse summary of ''Abhidhamma'' by Buddhaghosa’s contemporary, Buddhadatta.
* ''Abhidhammamātika Internal Commentary.'' (p. 58) The ''Abhidhamma-mātika'' is a matrix of abstracts for the Abhidhamma, with lists of pairs and triplets of terms from which the whole of the text can theoretically be reconstructed. The passage on the niyamas is from an internal commentary on the mātika associated with the Dhammasaṅgaṇī (the niyāmas don’t appear to be mentioned in the mātrix itself, but only in this appendix.); and was composed in South India by Coḷaraṭṭha Kassapa (12th–13th century).
* ''Abhidhammāvatāra-purāṇatīkā'' (p. 1.68). Composed in Sri Lanka by Vācissara Mahāsāmi c. 13th century or Sāriputta c. 12th century. This text is an incomplete word-by-word commentary on the text of the Abhidhammāvatāra Nāmarūpa-parichedo (ṭīka).
The five niyamas in this set are:
# ''utu-niyāma'' "the constraint of the seasons", i.e. in certain regions of the earth at certain periods the flowering and fruiting of trees all at one time (''ekappahāreneva''), the blowing or ceasing of wind, the degree of the heat of the sun, the amount of rain-fall, some flowers like the lotuses opening during the day and closing at night and so on;
# ''bīja-niyāma'' "the constraint of seeds or germs", i.e. a seed producing its own kind as barley seed produces barley;
# ''kammaniyāma'' "the constraint of ''kamma''", i.e. good actions produce good results and bad actions produce bad results. This constraint is said to be epitomised by hammapadaverse 127 which explains that the consequences of actions are inescapable;
# ''citta-niyāma'' "the constraint of mind", i.e. the order of the process of mind-activities as the preceding thought-moment causing and conditioning the succeeding one in a cause and effect relation;
# ''dhamma-niyāma'' "the constraint of dhammas", i.e. such events like the quaking of the ten thousand world-systems at the Bodhisatta's conception in his mother’s womb and at his birth. At the end of the discussion ''Sumaṅgalavilāsinī'' passage the Commentary says that ''dhammaniyāma'' explains the term dhammatā in the text of the ''Mahāpadāna Sutta'' (D ii.12) (Cf. S 12.20 for a discussion of the use of the word ''dhammaniyamatā'' in the suttas)
In these texts the set of fivefold niyamas was introduced into commentarial discussions not to illustrate that the universe was intrinsically ethical, but as a list that demonstrated the universal scope of ''paṭicca-samuppāda''. The original purpose was, according to Ledi Sayadaw
Ledi Sayadaw U Ñaṇadhaja ( my, လယ်တီဆရာတော် ဦးဉာဏဓဇ, ; 1 December 1846 – 27 June 1923) was an influential Theravada Buddhist monk. He was recognized from a young age as being developed in both the theory ( ...
, neither to promote or to demote the law of karma, but to show the scope of natural law as an alternative to the claims of theism.
C.A.F. Rhys Davids
Caroline Augusta Foley Rhys Davids (1857–1942) was a British writer and translator. She made a contribution to economics before becoming widely known as an editor, translator, and interpreter of Buddhist texts in the Pāli language. She was ...
was the first western scholar to draw attention to the list of ''pañcavidha niyama'' in her 1912 book, ''Buddhism''. Her reason for mentioning it was to emphasise how for Buddhism we exist in a "moral universe" in which actions lead to just consequences according to a natural moral order, a situation she calls a "cosmodicy" in contrast with the Christian theodicy.:
In Rhys Davids' scheme the niyamas become:
* ''kamma niyama'': ("action") consequences of one's actions
* ''utu niyama'': ("time, season") seasonal changes and climate, law of non-living matter
* ''bīja niyama'': ("seed") laws of heredity
* ''citta niyama'':("mind") will of mind
* ''dhamma niyama'': ("law") nature's tendency to perfect
This is similar to the scheme proposed by Ledi Sayadaw. Western Buddhist Sangharakshita
Sangharakshita (born Dennis Philip Edward Lingwood; 26 August 192530 October 2018) was a British spiritual teacher and writer, and the founder of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, which in 2010 was renamed the ''Triratna Buddhist Commun ...
has taken up Mrs Rhys Davids conception of the niyamas and made it an important aspect of his own teachings on Buddhism.
Spelling
In Pāli the word is spelled both ''niyama'' and ''niyāma'', and the Pali Text Society Dictionary says that the two forms have become confused. It is likely that ''niyāma'' is from a causative form of the verb ''ni√i''.
References
External links
Yoga and Ethics
Paul Macneill, Wiley-Blackwell
The Fivefold Niyāma
Translations of the commentarial texts which mention the niyāmas.
{{Hindudharma
Eight limbs of yoga
Hindu philosophical concepts
Hindu ethics
Buddhist philosophical concepts
it:Yoga#Niyama