Translation:a Sanskrit term and compound composed of two words: Isvara (or Ishvara) (ईवर) and pranidhana (णधान). Ishvara translates to “owner of best, beautiful”, ruler of choices and blessings and “chief of suitor”. Pranidhana is used in sanskrit to mean applying or giving attention to by way of meditation, prayer or desire. Together they encompass the last niyama which embodies the theme of surrender to the divine. Another term used to describe Ishvara Pranidhana is “the special self”.

Translation: ​Svādhyāya​ (वायाय) is a ​Sanskrit​ term which means self-study. It is a compound word composed of svā (वा) + adhyāya (अयाय). Adhyāya means "a lesson, lecture, chapter; reading". Svā means “one's ownself”. In this way, Svādhyāya literally means "one's own reading, lesson".

Translation: Tapas is based on the root Tap (तप्) meaning "to heat, to give out warmth, to shine, to burn. Tapas, the third Niyama widely translates into the concept of self-discipline, inner energy or austerity. Tapas reminds us that to stay on a path towards wholeness we need self-discipline, self-accountability and the desire to keep going.

Santosha is the second Niyama or observance. Santosha literally means "contentment or satisfaction". There is an essence in this observance of being completely content with or satisfied with or accepting of and comfortable with.

Saucha is one of the Niyamas or observances. Saucha is a practice of keeping our paths clean and clear and to tend to the weeds of distractions and obstacles that disturb our true purpose.

We continue our Yamas and Niyams Series with Aparigraha. Translation: aparigraha (Sanskrit: अपरिग्रह) is the virtue of non-possessiveness, non-grasping or non-greediness. Aparigrah is the opposite of parigrah, and refers to keeping the desire for possessions to what is necessary or important.

Traditionally, ‘Brahmacharya’ was meant to encourage those involved in the practice of yoga to conserve energy so that we may direct it towards growth. That means decreasing behaviors that “waste” or drain or vital energy and encourage practices that nourish and strengthen our prana.

Through mindful movement, breath and meditation, each month you will have an opportunity to learn about these ethical yogic guidelines or moral codes. This month we work with the concept of ASTEYA or non-stealing. 

Through mindful movement, breath and meditation, each month you will have an opportunity to learn about these ethical yogic guidelines or moral codes. This month we work with the concept of SATYA or truthfulness.