शौचसन्तोषतपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि नियमाः ॥ २.३२ ॥
śaucasantoṣatapaḥsvādhyāyeśvarapraṇidhānāni niyamāḥ || 2.32 ||
The observances are cleanliness, contentment, the fire of transformation, self-study and surrender to Īśvara.
Cleanliness: “washing away the blemishes of the mind-stuff.”
Niyama (नियम) is derived from the Sanskrit root niyam (नियम्) which means “to hold.” Thus, niyama translates to “rule”, “observances”, or “practices of self-restraint.”
Source: Knowledge Traditions & Practices of India: Education: Systems & Practices
Santoṣa (सन्तोष) refers to “positive contentment”
Source: Knowledge Traditions & Practices of India: Education: Systems & Practices
Śauca (शौच) refers to “purity of body, mind and thought”
The Principles are:
Practice purity …
be unsullied by anger or vengeful thoughts. Practice contentment …
be at peace with what is and what is not.
Practice austerity …
purify, reject greed, lack, and envy
and the endless desire for more.
Study …
and cultivate wisdom. Open your heart to all that can be known.
Surrender …
become one with Spirit,
aware of your sacred nature. Know that you are woven into the
intricate matrix of creation.
-Alberto Villoldo
Niyama (नियम, “religious restraint”) is a Sanskrit word referring to “respect for yourself”.
Source: valmikiramayan.net: Srimad Valmiki Ramayana
Niyama (नियम) refers to “one’s mind kept in restraint”,
Patanjali's yoga sutras 
Leave a comment