Niyama

Niyama is inner discipline and responsibility, how we treat ourselves. These are sometimes called observances.

Except for Patanjali who talks about five niyamas, other scriptures including the Shandilya and Varuha Upanishads, Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Gorakshanatha, the Tirumantiram of Tirumular talk about ten Niyamas.

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the Niyamas are the second limb of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga. They are found in the Sadhana Pada Verse 32 as: Shaucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya & Ishvarapranidhana. 

Shaucha (Purity)

Purity is achieved by the practice of the five yamas, which help clear away the negative physical and mental states. Keep yourself, your clothing, and your surroundings clean. Eat fresh and healthy food 

Santosha (Contentment)

Be happy with what you have and who you are. Seek happiness in the moment, take responsibility for where you are, and choose to grow from there.   

Tapas (Austerity)

Controlling in body, speech, and mind. The purpose of developing self-discipline is not to become ascetic, but to control and direct the mind and body for higher spiritual aims or purposes.  

Svadhyaya (Study of the sacred text)

Study sacred texts, which are whatever books are relevant to you and inspire and teach you. Education changes a person’s outlook in life.  

Ishvarapranidhana (Living with an awareness of the Divine)

Be devoted to God, or whatever you consider divine.