Often, we are accused of acting. What do people mean when they say we are acting? Do they mean we are saying something that we have no intention of doing? Or misrepresenting the truth? Or operating at a surface level without being genuine?
Is it possible for a person to portray consistent behaviour when one’s Karma (action) does not match one’s Dharma? Can such behaviour inspire trust in others? Will such behaviour stand under pressure? What about the resultant stress that is generated?
In order to portray a consistent personality to society, one must be properly integrated as an individual. This is Niyama and is the foundation of Yama. Niyama increases internal awareness, resulting in better assessment of reality, leading to proper management of situations and lower stress.
Niyama means rules or laws, for personal well being. Niyama refers to the attitude we adopt toward ourselves and our actions. When Niyama is followed, our ability to interact with the external world in a peaceful manner is enhanced. It is about stabilizing our relationship with our environment, being at peace with ourselves and our actions. Niyama is a key aspect of Dharma.
Inward focus increases awareness of Dharma so that our actions with the external world are congruent with our natural state of being. The objective of this step is to integrate personal thoughts, words and deeds into a cohesive whole, resulting in clarity of focus, understanding of requirement and peace in actions.
Niyama has 6 elements: Soucham (cleanliness), Santhosham (happiness), Faith, Accountability, and Referencing.
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