Significance of Niyama
Niyama is a key concept in various spiritual traditions, particularly in Yoga, where it is recognized as the second limb of Ashtanga Yoga. It emphasizes personal observances that foster self-discipline and moral conduct, including practices like cleanliness, contentment, penance, self-study, and devotion to God. These observances promote spiritual growth and are essential for achieving a disciplined lifestyle, aiding practitioners in their journey towards ethical living and mental well-being. Niyama plays a crucial role in guiding the behavior of spiritual aspirants.
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
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 both a distinct position of bodhisattvas compared to shravakas and a spiritual determination, highlighting its varied use in Buddhist texts to convey depth in spiritual practice and understanding.
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 is a crucial aspect of yoga, emphasizing personal observances like purity, contentment, and devotion. It guides spiritual aspirants toward self-discipline, ethical living, and ultimately achieving liberation and divine vision.
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’s 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’s 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'
In Jainism, Niyama represents both the mental discipline in Yoga and adherence to specific ethical guidelines, emphasizing self-restraint and moral conduct as essential components of spiritual practice.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The observance of specific instructions or rules.[22]
The concept of Niyama in local and regional sources
Niyama pertains to personal observances in Raja Yoga, emphasizing cleanliness, contentment, self-study, and devotion. It represents rules that yield anubhava, connecting with the sapaksha side, highlighting the significance of personal discipline in spiritual practice.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Niyamas are personal observances in Raja Yoga, which encompass cleanliness, contentment, self-study, and devotion.[23]
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.[24]