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2nd Limb of Yoga – Niyamas (Personal Observances) #4: Svadhyaya
The first 2 of the 8 Limbs of Yoga are the Yamas and Niyamas. There are 5 Yamas and 5 Niyamas, and we will take a full day on our Daily Yogi journey to focus on practicing each of the five. Niyamas (KNEE-ya-mas) are guidelines for our own personal habits or observances. Let’s take a closer look at the fourth of five Niyamas – Svadhyaya.
All about Svadhyaya (Self-Study)
Svadhyaya (svad-HYEYE-ya) literally translates from Sanskrit as reading or reciting to oneself, but is typically translated as self-study. Svadhyaya includes not only self-study, but also study of “sacred texts.”
Svadhyaya literally translates from Sanskrit as reading or reciting to oneself, but is typically translated as self-study. Svadhyaya includes not only self-study, but also study of “sacred texts.” This includes the sacred texts of Yoga such as the Yoga Sutras where we take inspiration for Yogi Daily’s positive practices. This also includes reading or studying sacred texts of any and all world religions such as the Bible, Buddhist texts, or whatever religious or philosophical texts resonate with you.
My favorite Svadhyaya practice is keeping a journal! This becomes a tool for self-study and reflection.
Svadhyaya practice includes not only self-study, but also study of “sacred texts.” This includes the sacred texts of Yoga such as the Yoga Sutras. This also includes reading or studying sacred texts of any and all world religions such as the Bible, Buddhist texts, or whatever religious or philosophical texts resonate with you.
How to practice Svadhyaya (Self-Study)
How to practice Svadhyaya (Self-Study)
- Keep a journal
I have found a journal to be one of the best ways to study and learn oneself, directly from yourself! Buy a guided or blank paper journal, or make a free online journal (password protect for privacy!) with LiveJournal or WordPress. If you already keep a journal or diary, start adding to your entries about this new journey you are beginning with us. Remember to include notes about both events and your feelings.
- Study a sacred text from Yoga
- Study any religion’s sacred text.
- Try Mantras
Asana Practices
Here are some Asanas (poses) and Asana series I feel embody the spirit of Svadhyaya! Click the images to learn to how perform the pose or more about the Asana style!
Please note this section is currently under construction – please check back soon for more!
Meditation Practices
Here are some of my favorite meditations I feel embody the spirit of Svadhyaya!
Self-reflective Guided Meditation.
Positive Energy Guided Meditation.
Please note this section is currently under construction – please check back soon for more!
Svadhyaya Quotes
Want more Ideas for journal day?
Check our Journal prompts board on Pinterest!
Need a Journal? Check out my recommended blank and guided journals!
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