As modern yogis, we generally jump the gun and start before we understand the nature of the task at hand and before we have laid a solid, reliable foundation on which we can undertake that task. That foundation is often and most successfully formed by adhering to an ethical code of restraints and observances known as Yama and Niyama or the Yogis Code.

At some point, we begin to encounter stories and tales of the wise, knowledgeable, and mystical beings that have come before us in this ancient conversation. Sooner rather than later we will be introduced to the Sage Patanjali and we will start hearing whispers of his Yoga Sutras. It will not take too much enquiry and study to realize that most of what we do these days in the name of Yoga has sprung from his work of compiling, organizing, and presenting these old ways into something we can work through clearly and systematically. Patanjali outlines the yogis' path to success when he gives us Ashtanga Yoga or Yoga’s Eight Limbs. The poses or the work with the physical body begins with the third limb or Asana; the first 2 limbs are what comprise his version of the Yogis Code; Yama and Niyama. Here we get our moral and ethical vehicle for the journey and the lines on the road we are to follow.

My task this week will be to take this step back with you and journey through the second limb; Niyama, often translated as observances or ethically, disciplined attitudes towards ourselves. Together we will continue to lay the foundation for the deep, important work that we are endeavouring.

Here is a quick overview of the Niyamas:

Saucha / Cleanliness

When the lenses are clean we develop the ability to see clearly.

Santosha / Contentment

Be Here Now.

Tapas / Committed Effort

Purification through discipline.

Svadyaya / Self-Study

Know Thyself.

Ishvara Pranidhana / Surrender to the Highest

Surrender to your most High and let That run the show.

Next, I will be sharing my experience, understanding, and questions around the first Niyama, Saucha. We will work through the whole list this week and on Sunday we will seal these learnings in with the workshop ‘Kriya Yoga; Discipline. Study. Surrender’

Let’s go, Lions!

Peace.

Peter