The Niyamas
The second limb of yoga is the niyamas. These are observances that when followed are designed to create a code for living that encourages well being for ourselves and others. It is the inner discipline and resolve that is cultivated.
The five niyamas are saucha: purity, santosha: contentment, tapas: right effort, svadhyaya: self study and Ishvara pranidhana: dedication to the highest.
Saucha is the first of the niyamas and is concerned with living purely. It is keeping the body, mind and environment clean inside and out. It is not only the foundation for physical health but mental health as well as we learn to cleanse the mind of negativity and erroneous thinking. Saucha is also about simplifying, creating an environment that is conducive to peacefulness and rest.
