Significance of Niyama
Niyama, as per various philosophical traditions, is fundamentally about personal observances and discipline within spiritual practices. It involves specific rules and ethical guidelines aimed at fostering self-discipline, purification, contentment, and devotion. In Yoga philosophy, Niyama is recognized as the second limb of Ashtanga Yoga, comprising practices that include cleanliness, penance, and self-study. The concept emphasizes the importance of voluntary discipline, aiding practitioners in achieving spiritual growth and ethical living, crucial for a disciplined lifestyle and mental wellness.
Synonyms: Observance, Discipline, Ethical principle, Best practice, Self-regulation, Ethical code, Moral imperative, Personal conduct, Spiritual practice
In Dutch: Niyama; In German: Niyama; In Finnish: Niyama; In Spanish: Niyama; In Swedish: Niyama; In Malay: Niyama; In French: Niyama
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Niyama'
Niyama in Buddhism signifies a unique position within the bodhisattva framework, contrasting with shravaka views, and embodies a determination in spiritual practice, frequently appearing in diverse grammatical forms in Buddhist literature.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term referring to the position or determination in a spiritual context, often used in various grammatical forms in Buddhist texts.[1] (2) Position referred to within the system of the bodhisattvas, indicating a different perspective than that of the shravakas.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Niyama'
Niyama in Hinduism represents the second limb of Ashtanga Yoga, emphasizing personal observances and disciplines such as purity, contentment, austerity, study, and devotion, vital for spiritual growth and ethical living in practice.
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Five observances related to purification, truthfulness, contentment, penance, and subjugation of senses.[3] (2) Rules or observances that promote spiritual discipline, such as cleanliness, devotion, and self-control.[4]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The second stage of external practices in Yoga that involves particular rules and vows for the observance of the Yogi.[5]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Rules or observances that govern personal behavior in the practice of Yoga, promoting discipline and spiritual growth.[6]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The second limb of Yoga which consists of self-disciplines or observances, including austerity, contentment, faith, charity, worship, modesty, and others.[7]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The second limb of yoga, consisting of personal observances such as austerities, contentment, worship, and charity.[8] (2) Includes devotion to one's guru, love of the true path, internal satisfaction, and freedom from attachment; it emphasizes self-regulation and discipline.[9] (3) Religious observance related to personal discipline within yoga practice.[10] (4) The observance of personal conduct and spiritual practices leading to supreme bliss.[11]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A set of observances in yoga that include purity, contentment, and other moral and ethical guidelines that help guide one鈥檚 conduct.[12]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The second limb of Ashtanga Yoga, involving personal observances such as cleanliness, contentment, and devotion.[13]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The niyamas are observances that include practices such as purity, contentment, mortification, study, and devotion to God.[14]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) The term meaning obligations which includes purification and other duties.[15]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The second limb of Ashtangayoga involving personal observances and commitment to spiritual practices.[16] (2) The rules or disciplines one follows in Sadhana, fostering ethical conduct.[17]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) one of the practices of ashtanga-yoga.[18]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Personal observances in yoga that foster self-discipline and spiritual growth.[19]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Further personal observances in Yoga aimed at fostering discipline and moral conduct.[20]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Discipline that aids in Karma-Yoga, achieved through the observance of vows, fasts, and charitable acts.[21]
Jain concept of 'Niyama'
Niyama in Jainism signifies the adherence to specific rules and instructions, emphasizing mental restraint akin to principles in Yoga philosophy, guiding practitioners toward self-discipline and spiritual development.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The observance of specific instructions or rules.[22]
The concept of Niyama in local and regional sources
Niyama encompasses personal observances in Raja Yoga, including cleanliness, contentment, self-study, and devotion, highlighting its role in achieving anubhava and reinforcing the sapaksha side of personal discipline and experience.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Niyama represents the regular habits and observances in Yoga, including practices such as austerity, study, contentment, purity, and worshipping God.[23] (2) This is the second step of Raja-Yoga, which includes cleanliness, contentment, austerity, study, and self-surrender to God as practices for personal discipline.[24] (3) This refers to the external parts of the three practices: Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, and is practiced before them.[25]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Niyamas are personal observances in Raja Yoga, which encompass cleanliness, contentment, self-study, and devotion.[26]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Niyama is described as a rule that results in anubhava, and it is associated with the sapaksha side, indicating a consequence of the given.[27]