Dr. Susan O'Grady

Couples Counseling – Relationships – Mindfulness – Podcasts

Niyamas (Observances)

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The Six Niyamas:

Shaucha (purity).  Cleanliness of the body and purity of the mind.  External Cleanliness of the body is a means of controlling the mind.  It includes daily bathing, wearing clean clothes, living in a clean house; on the subtle level, it is purity of action or selfless service.  It includes the system of shat karma (6 purificatory techniques).   In the subtle level, it is the elimination of negative qualities and thoughts from the mind.  By observing cleanliness one becomes less attached to one’s own body.  When purity is perfected one gains control of the senses and becomes cheerful, one-pointed, and fit for self-realization.

Santosha (contentment):  Contentment is not passive, it is a virtue to be actively cultivated in order to free the mind from the effects of pleasure and pain.  When contentment is perfected, one becomes desireless and attains unexcelled happiness.

Tapas  (austerity):  Literally “to burn”.  Tapas implies the burning of all desires by means of discipline, purification, and penance.

Pranayama (breath control) is the highest austerity, as it requires great restraint of the normal, life-giving breath.

Svadhyaya (scriptural study):  The study of scriptures, self-inquiry, satsang, and japa (repetition) of Om, with the aim of attaining liberation.  Study of the scriptures pertains especially to the Vedas:  it also includes the study of the lives and teachings of saints.  Self-inquiry is done by reflecting deeply on the question, “Who am I?”.  Satsang is association with spiritually oriented people and places.

Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to God):  Recognition that the limited, ego-self is an illusion; “One who sees the Self in all beings and who has surrendered the ego of being the “doer” is the true practitioner of Ishvarapranidhana.  Perfection of Ishvarapranidana brings success in samaadhi (superconsciousness).

Dr. Susan O'Grady
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In our blog posts, we draw from our clients’ stories in order to illustrate some of the common themes that come up in couples counseling and psychotherapy. The examples given here are composites, and we have invented all the names and identifying information. Any resulting resemblance to people is entirely coincidental and unintentional. We are licensed clinical psychologists practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our posts do not reflect professional advice. Interaction with us via the blog does not constitute a professional therapeutic relationship. for professional and individualized advice, you should seek the services of a counselor who can work with you in psychotherapy. We do not assume liability for damage or injury resulting from your decision to interact with our website.​

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