Niyama
(नियम)Literal Meaning
Personal observance
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From Sanskrit 'ni' (down, within) + 'yam' (to control) — the second limb of Ashtanga Yoga, five personal observances directed inward rather than toward others.
Spiritual Insight & Context
The five Niyamas — cleanliness (Shaucha), contentment (Santosha), discipline (Tapas), self-study (Svadhyaya), and surrender to the divine (Ishvara Pranidhana) — cultivate inner readiness for meditation.