The 5 Niyamas: Practices To Build Character

Note: The shorter form of Dattatreya Siva Baba's name is "Baba"

As part of yogic discipline, Pantanjali maintains five Niyamas (practices to build character). The five Niyamas are 1) purity or cleanliness, 2) contentment or happiness, 3) self-discipline, 4) study and attainment of self-realization, and 5) surrender to God.

1. Cleanliness or Purity

Cleanliness and purity are both external and internal. It is important to keep the body and your dwelling/work space impeccable. Yogi's shower frequently - sometimes 3 to 5 times a day. Cleanliness is to be followed to food and clothes as well. Internal purity is keeping the mind emotions pure. Physical yoga and breathing exercises (pranayama) are useful for internal purity.

2. Contentment and Happiness

It is important to always maintain a happy state of mind. Remain content. You should not be excited when things happen or depressed when they don't happen. Be neutral and remain content regardless (of either condition). Contentment is the making of happiness.

3. Self-discipline

Self-discipline involves keeping the body, mind, and actions in good control. Patanjali insists on the control of the senses that represent the body. If one follows the pull of the senses and the fickle mind he/she cannot achieve yoga (union with God). The senses are impure because they distract us from our real nature. It is important to check our desires for the fulfillment of our senses. The tongue needs to be controlled for over-eating or blah-blahing; eyes from watching television constantly; ears from listening to unconscious, sensuous music, etc.

4. Self-study Leads to Self-realization

One should constantly enquire the nature of the Higher Self. When I was Swami Ramalingam, my final teaching was self enquiry. I recommended that everyone reflect on their ignorance and limitations. Only when you know what your inherent weakness is can you move forward in acquiring a higher life. Self enquiry can be in two forms. One, you can go on enquiring like Ramana Maharishi did, asking the question, "Who am I?". Two, reflecting on a deity. I am inclined to favor meditation on a personal deity or Guru. Practically speaking, I have found the second approach more rewarding.

5. Surrender to God

Surrender to God gives the highest consciousness. Remember that God is the capital "I" and the individual is the small "i". Now, both are mixed-up. We, however, perceive only the small "i" and miss the capital "I". Einstein wondered about the mind of God who created the world. Patanjali teaches a method to become God. You keep on identifying yourself with the bigger "I" and then you become God. Patanjali says that by surrendering to God, you get the highest consciousness (Samadhi).

I want you to periodically review the writings on Yama and Niyama to remind yourself of the importance of discipline and living a divine life.

Blessings, Baba