Niyamas Explained
August 6th, 2006 at 9:41 am (Uncategorized)
II.35 “When one is established in non-violence, violence is relinquished in one’s presence.”
Violence easily disturbs the mind and life force of the one who commits the action and the one who receives the force of the action. When we refrain from violence we stop reinforcing the tendency to violence in our self and in our environment. Non-violence has many levels. Violence can be committed in thought, speech or action, and can be directed to others or our own self. To be fully established in non-violence requires an awareness of all the ways in which it can occur. Through gentle intention we can identify and root out anything contrary to the discipline of harmlessness.
II.36 “When one is established in truthfulness, the results of actions are assured.”
Truth is another factor to promote peace of mind and strength of body, both of which are necessary for proper yoga practice. If we are established in truth we need not fear the uncovering of lies, which promotes needless worry and dissipation of our powers of concentration. The body is also weakened by non-truth as is evidenced by the weakening effect on muscles during the verbalization of a lie.
II.37 “When established in non stealing, all prosperity is attained.”
When a person engages in stealing, the person affirms a consciousness of lack. This strengthens the tendency to not have enough in life. The one consciousness responds to our individual states of being. When we steal, we are saying to the universe, “There is not enough resources for me, so I must take it from another.” The universe confirms the statement by making it a reality. The cycle continues. We live in an infinite universe with infinite resources. Living from a consciousness of lack denies this fact. By changing the pattern of lack to one of abundance, all is provided for. Stealing is harmful to those taken from as well as to the thief.
II.38 “When all conduct and desires lead to the Eternal Self, one obtains vital energy.”
Vital forces represent many kinds of energy. Conservation of these forces in the context of this sutra implies dedication of them to the practice of yoga. Our ultimate purpose on this earth is to realize our eternal self. This is the purpose of all of consciousness on an absolute level. When an individualized unit of the one field begins to consciously cooperate with this process, the one field takes great interest. Then, all resources in the infinite universe become available to that purpose. The vital energy obtained is in relation to the degree of harmony with the absolute universal process of Self-realization.
As individualized units of the one field of consciousness we all have unique talents and goals to express. Yoga meditation quickens our awakening. So does expressing our talents and achieving our goals appropriately. By dedicating our meditative practice and our actions in life to Self-realization all forms of vital energy are obtained to support the process. This can manifest as health, abundant resources, or even supportive relationships. Whatever is needed is provided.
II.39 “Understanding of why births occur is founded in non-possessiveness.”
Possessiveness leads to attachment and aversion. Before the actual realization dawns that all is consciousness and we are all of that, it may be helpful to imagine that happiness and peace are not achieved by the possessions we can gather and hold on to. Neither is it had by acquiring something that appears to make another happy. The down side of possessiveness is the great propensity it can create to disturb the mind. It also greats an inertia towards desiring more and so worrying more in the event of losing what is gained.
Traditionally speaking, the reason births occur is due to the presence of desire in the soul. When there is a desire, the universe creates an opportunity for that desire to be had. If that opportunity requires a new experience to be birthed, then that is what occurs. The yama of non-possessiveness is extolled so that it is easy to relate to objects and people without attachment, and also to end the tedious wheel of rebirth. Contrary to popular belief, we are not here to see how much we can “get into”, but to exhaust our desires so that we can direct our attention to what really matters, figuring out who we really are.
II.40 “By practicing purity, the desire arises to protect one’s body from adverse conditions.”
Some desires are necessary for the realization of our ultimate purpose. The desire to protect and maintain the health of the body is supportive of our spiritual endeavors. When the body is strong and vital it is easier to live effectively. There is also less interference in our mental field when our body functions properly. Through proper care of the body we assure that it does not take away attention from our spiritual practices.
II.41 “Due to purity, the clarity of Sattva manifests inspiration, one pointedness, mastery of the sense organs and readiness for seeing the Eternal Self.”
The original nature of the mind is Sattvic. The mind is meant to function as a clear receptive station for the experiences carried to it through the sense organs. Purity of the body and mind are synergistic. Maintaining a clear mental field relieves stress in the body. A healthy body allows the mind to experience its natural equilibrium. When the body and mind are united in a Sattvic state, the three primary requisites for proper yoga practice manifest. The mind can maintain concentration without distraction. The sense organs are controlled so they can be directed inward. The embodied soul is then prepared to await the experience of the eternal Self.
II.42 “When one is content there arises and unexcelled happiness.”
True contentment is not found in the gaining of objects or experiences thought to produce it. This is evidenced through experience. Once an object or experience is acquired, it may please the mind for a little while. Then the mind becomes restless again and seeks more stimulation. True contentment is not dependant on the stimulation of experience. When we have cultivated contentment beyond experiences, a blissful emerges that cannot be broken.
II.43 “Spiritual practice eliminates impurities, and results in perfection of the body and the sense organs.”
The purpose of spiritual practice is to gain mastery over the sense organs and eliminate the impurities that block the ceaseless flow of grace. Grace is always flowing to us throughout the universe. Most people cannot receive this grace because they are distracted by the outward flowing energy of their sense organs. Spiritual practice develops the power of focused attention that allows us to direct our consciousness inward.
When we can sustain our intention to focus on the heart of our being, our eternal Self, healing energy flows are released throughout the body. This allows the body to function properly. We are more inclined to be healthy, to be happy and to live longer. In this way, we have ample time to attend to our mundane and spiritual duties without distraction.
II.44 “Owing to the application of learned personal mantras, one unites with one’s concept of the divine. Inspiration arises.”
In the context of these sutras, mantra refers to Sanskrit phrases utilized to invoke the spiritual power of various aspects of the divine. Through the heartfelt repetition of the mantras, a person unites with their own concept of the divine, as it is real to them. The resulting devotional ardor propels them forward on their spiritual path.
Neither Sanskrit mantra nor properly formulated word phrases are necessary for the principle out lined in this sutra to function. Any thought or action that unites awareness with the divine, as it is real to you, will serve the same purpose. Constant remembrance of the reality of God being all things can be sustained in the background of your mind through daily activity. This can be brought to the forefront of your attention during deep meditation. You could even repeat the phrase “I am peace” throughout the day as your personal inspirational mantra. The goal is to inspire your thoughts and actions to realize your true nature as a spiritual being.
Also note that as your understanding grows your concept of the divine will change. This evolution will continue until you flawlessly perceive the true nature of yourself and your relationship with the infinite consciousness.