Niyama

(“observance”) In the ashtanga yoga
taught by Patanjali, the second of the
eight constituent elements of yoga practice. While the first element lists five
injurious actions and dispositions to
avoid, Niyama gives five positive
instructions, shifting the focus from
abstinence to active cultivation. The five
observances are: purity, contentment,
asceticism, study, and making the lord
the motive of all action.