Svādhyaya - The Fourth Niyama of the Eight Limbs of Yoga
Svādhyaya
II.44 Svādhyāyāt Iśta-Devatā-Samprayogah
The fourth niyama (personal observances) is svādhyaya, II.44 Svādhyāyāt Iśta-Devatā-Samprayogah of Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras. When translated, svādhyaya means “Through the study of one’s tradition, the complete union with one’s chosen deity” or “Study, when it is developed to the highest degree, brings one close to higher forces that promote understanding of the most complex.”
Like with tapas, svādhyaya is also mentioned in the first sutra of chapter two; however, its meaning is different in the fourth niyama (and the next one). When svādhyaya is referenced in the beginning of chapter two, as part of Kriya Yoga (Yoga in Action), it means “self-study: observation of one’s own actions, beliefs, thoughts, etc.” — or to study yourself. Svādhyaya in that context is part of a set of attitudes that apply to all activities. Here, in Ashtanga Yoga, when discussed as part of the niyamas, svādhyaya is part of a set of practices that help us discern our Knowing on a consistent basis. It’s important not to confuse this word’s meaning in its different contexts, or else the entire goal will be misunderstood or lost
In practical terms, svādhyaya as a niyama means the study of one’s own tradition, studying sacred texts and scriptures.
In other words, if you’re a Christian, study the Bible or other Christian traditions; if you are Jewish, study the Torah, find a guide or mentor in your tradition, or have discussions with other people who have the same tradition, values, and ethics as you. Why? Because it provides a kind of touchstone, a way for us to observe our own behavior and evaluate it in the context of our own tradition.
If we don’t have this touchstone or these studies, then the context by which we evaluate our actions in various situations will be different. If we allow that to happen, we will end up evaluating ourselves according to society — the commercials on TV, social media, the local news, or whatever our mainstream cultural standards are.
In the niyamas, svādhyaya means to have a foundation we come back to and touch base with everyday to check in with ourselves: “Oh yes, this is what it means to be a Yogi, a Christian, a Jew, a Buddhist, etc.” or “This is how people in my tradition live their lives.” It’s a measuring stick to evaluate actions.
Find your tribe and stay connected with it — this is svādhyaya.
A note for context: My perspective is based in the Viniyoga/Desikachar lineage. Viniyoga is a traditional Indian lineage of Yoga taught by TKV Desikachar, who was the son of Krishnamacharya. (Add hyperlink) My teacher, Chase Bossart, was a 20+ year private student of Mr. Desikachar. I have studied this text with Chase, word for Sanskrit word, for over three years.
Stay tuned to learn more about the niyamas and the rest of the Eight Limbs in my upcoming blog articles.
Namaste,
Kelly