A consideration of the niyama (observances towards our own behaviours and attitudes) and their relationship to practice:
śauca – to not look after oneself as we would another. The more I can look after myself, the more I get an intimation of that which animates me
Fruit:
- A less neurotic attitude with our own bodies
- We become “fit” for a vision of our true Self
- Our relationships become protected
We need to step back with a light touch; avoid sources of harm, and act with an awareness of possible negative consequences.
santoṣa – to feel content; to trust we will be supported
Fruit:
- Congruity between what is said and what happens
- Walk the Talk
- Words have power
tapas – to take external support seriously
Fruit
- We obtain tremendous vitality
- The relationship deepens, rather than dilutes and dissipates.
svadhyāya – to take internal support seriously
Fruit
- When there is not steya (stealing), something very precious is revealed. We see beyond what we know.
īśvara praṇidhāna – to trust in Life
Fruit:
- When we practice asteya, we can see the HOW and WHY of life. We become open to a deep and profound perception.