How to Incorporate Svadhyaya into Your Yoga Practice

I know I said tapas was my favorite niyama within the yoga practice, but svadhyaya is a close second! Svadhyaya is the act of self-study and incorporates all of the yamas and niyamas in its practice. The yamas and niyamas are the first two limbs of the eight limbed path of yoga. These principles are intended for your yoga practice and your daily life. The yamas are moral disciplines, and the niyamas are mental observances. These philosophies combined with the remaining limbs of the eight limbed path, are the foundation of the yoga practice. One of my favorite resources regarding this topic is Deborah Adele’s book, The Yamas and Niyamas, Exploring Yogas Ethical Principles.

Svadhyaya, or self-study is the fourth niyama and is a perfect way to start wrapping up the first two limbs. Self-study goes beyond the asana on your mat, it asks you to stay curious and continue exploring your conscious experience through the eyes of a student. Here are some ways to incorporate the practice of svadhyaya into your daily life and practice.

Taking Initiative With Your Yoga Education

Going to a yoga class is a great way to stay motivated with your practice, but svadhyaya asks you to keep learning outside of the 60 minutes you’re in the studio. Whether you’re reading a book, listening to a podcasts, or scouring Pinterest for yoga flows, you’re in the practice of self-study. However, research and knowledge will only take you so far. You must also apply this knowledge to be in practice of svadhyaya.

This is where svadhyaya meets tapas, you have to stay disciplined with yourself as you gain more knowledge. Not only do you have to hold yourself accountable to apply this knowledge, but you have to stay consistent in doing so. When you do so, self-study becomes the study of the self.

Svadhyaya, the study of the self

Self-study leads to the study of the self, and not just your ego, but your true self from within. In order to apply this knowledge, you have to observe yourself in everyday situations. Observe your thoughts, emotions, and reactions as they arise. Through this observance, you create self inquiry. Svadhyaya is where all of the yamas and niyamas collide, it is the pinnacle application of all the previous practices. When you are consistent with your self-study and question your singular experience, you broaden your perspective and catch glimpses of your higher self. In this way, it is easy to see how you truly are your own best teacher. Only you can guide you through your unique, unseen world within.

As with all the yoga practices, it’s important to give yourself grace. It’s challenging to remember to incorporate these principles into your life. You may forget to implement these practices or simply choose not to implement them when you’re feeling challenged. That is why yoga is called a practice, observing yourself even during the imperfect moments is enough. So start small and build your way up from there, practice is a marathon, not a race.

Want to learn more about the yoga yamas and niyamas? Check out the yoga yamas and niyamas, exploring yogas ethical principles by Deborah Adele.

This post contains affiliate links, for more info read disclaimer.

Find me here: