Yogasūtra II.32 - śauca-saṁtoṣa-tapaḥ-svādhyāya-īśvarapraṇidhānāni niyamāḥ

Purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-enquiry, and surrender to the Divine are the personal observances.

Internal and external cleanliness is called Śauca (purity). External cleanliness involves keeping our body and senses clean. Internal cleanliness means that we keep our thoughts, intentions and words pure. A clear conscience and acceptance without reservation of pleasure and pain etc. is Saṁtoṣa (contentment).

Equanimity of mind when experiencing pairs of opposites like cold and heat, pleasure and pain, like and dislike etc., is Tapas (self-discipline). This will be possible when the body is rid of any defects or impurities. Strict adherence to one’s own duties and responsibilities (Svadharma) is also Tapas. Traditionally, recitation of the Veda-s, Vedānta, Smṛti-s, Purāṇa-s, Itihāsa-s etc., or recitation of Mantra-s into which your teacher has initiated you for the purpose of establishing your own Dharma, is Svādhyāya (self-enquiry).

In the Vedic view, Īśvara-praṇidhāna is an attitude of surrender to the Divine, for we are not in control of all that happens in our life, including the consequences of our own actions. It is a reminder that we are not the masters of this world, and need to remain humble. In this context, Īśvara-praṇidhāna can be interpreted as offering up all actions to a higher force, and letting go of their fruits.

The Yama-s and the Niyama-s are self-sustaining: they nourish each other.

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