The Transformation Blog

I'm glad you're here

The Niyamas - Ishvara Pranidhana: Present Moment Surrender

ishvara pranidhana/surrender the eight limbs of yoga the niyamas

Surrendering to Now

'By total surrender, samadhi is attained' - The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sutra 2.45. The word ‘Ishvara Pranidhana’ means 'surrender' and this Niyama teaches us that when we accept the present moment for all its blessings and lessons, we can not only suffer less, but navigate through each day with more ease and grace.

In this blog, we'll explore the importance of Ishvara Pranidhana and how it can enhance the quality of our lives.

Brief Yoga History: Yoga Sutras + 8 Limbs of Yoga

The true meaning of Yoga is the union of body, mind, soul, and spirit to reduce suffering.

According to the practice, we often suffer because of not knowing our true Self and the illusion of separation of our individual consciousness from Universal Consciousness.

So taking a step back... where do the Niyamas come from?

The five Niyamas are the 2nd Limb of Yoga, within the 8 Limbs of Yoga, which are 30+ concepts that come from the Yoga Sutras. If you'd like to dive deeper into the other Limbs, I have written the additional blogs below so far:

1st Limb of Yoga - The Yamas

2nd Limb of Yoga - The Niyamas

3rd Limb of Yoga - Asana

4th Limb of Yoga - Pranayama

5th Limb of Yoga - Pratyahara

6th Limb of Yoga - Dharana

7th Limb of Yoga - Dhyana

8th Limb of Yoga - Samadhi

The Yoga Sutras contain 196 verses, which discuss the aim of yoga and how you strive for freedom, liberation and self-realization - the 8th Limb of Yoga, also called Samadhi.

The Yoga Sutras were transcribed by a man (and most likely many of his colleagues and students) named Patanjali, presumably from India, estimated to have lived between 2nd century BCE to 4th century CE, and act as a practical guide to assist you on your journey of remembering the ultimate union.

According to the Sutras, beginning the pursuit of self-realization is the most significant step in life – as they make us aware of our pitfalls and how to overcome them.

The Meaning of Ishvara Pranidhana

Ishvara Pranidhana invites individuals to release their grip on control, ego, and desires, and instead surrender to the divine flow of the present moment.

In Sanskrit, "Ishvara" refers to the supreme being or divine consciousness, while "Pranidhana" translates to surrendering. Together, Ishvara Pranidhana embodies the act of relinquishing our individual will to the will of the divine or present moment. You can acknowledge that there's a force greater than ourselves guiding the universe and place trust in its wisdom AND you can also take responsibility for what the present moment is offering - since it's a result of previous thoughts, words and actions.

Adding this element to the process, really distinguishes Surrendering from resignation or passivity.

Ishvara Pranidhana is an active process that requires courage, humility, and faith. It's about aligning our intentions, actions, and thoughts with the divine purpose, recognizing that our limited perspective may not always grasp the grand design of existence.

"The jewel of surrender presupposes that there is a divine force at work in our lives, Whether we call that God, grace, providence or life, this force is greater than we are and cares deeply about us. Surrender invites us to be active participants in our life, totally present and fluid with each moment, while participating in the magnitude and mystery of what we are participating in. Ultimately this guideline invites us to surrender our egos, open our hearts and accept the higher purpose of our being" ~ Deborah Adele, The Yamas & Niyamas

How To Apply Ishvara Pranidhana to Your Practice (On the Mat) & Life (Off the Mat)

ON the Mat:

1. Setting an Intention

Begin your practice by setting an intention to surrender to the divine will. You can do this silently in your mind or through a short meditation before starting your asana practice. Let go of any expectations or attachments to how your practice should unfold and trust that you will be guided by the divine throughout.

2. Cultivating Mindfulness

As you move through each posture, stay present in the moment and cultivate mindfulness. Notice the sensations in your body, the rhythm of your breath, and the thoughts that arise without judgment. By staying fully present, you open yourself to the divine presence within and surrender to the experience as it unfolds.

3. Letting Go of Ego

Release the need to push yourself to achieve a certain pose or compete with others in the class. Instead, focus on honoring your body's limitations and listening to its wisdom. Surrender the ego's desire for perfection and embrace the practice as a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

4. Practicing Non-Attachment

Throughout your practice, practice non-attachment to the outcomes. Let go of any attachment to achieving a particular pose or experiencing a specific result. Instead, surrender to the process and trust that each moment is unfolding exactly as it should.

5. Offering Gratitude

Express gratitude for your body, breath, and the opportunity to practice yoga. Recognize that these gifts come from the divine and offer thanks for the blessings in your life. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude helps foster humility and deepens your connection to the divine presence.

6. Surrendering in Savasana and Meditation

Allow yourself to fully surrender in Savasana (Corpse Pose) or in a meditation at the end of your practice. Release any tension or resistance in your body and mind, and surrender to the stillness and peace within. Let go of any remaining thoughts or concerns, and simply rest in the embrace of the divine presence.

OFF the Mat:

1. Morning Reflection and Intention Setting

Begin your day with a few moments of quiet reflection or meditation. Connect with the divine within yourself and set an intention to surrender to the divine will throughout the day. Offer gratitude for the blessings in your life and trust that you are being guided by a higher power.

2. Trusting in the Divine Plan

Throughout your day, practice trusting in the divine plan and letting go of the need to control outcomes. When faced with challenges or unexpected events, remind yourself that there is a higher purpose at work and surrender to the flow of life. Trust that everything is happening for your highest good, even if it may not seem that way in the moment.

3. Letting Go of Ego and Attachment

Notice when the ego arises in your thoughts and actions and practice letting go of its grip. Release the need to always be right or to have things go your way. Instead, surrender to the wisdom of the universe and trust that things will unfold as they are meant to. Let go of attachment to material possessions, relationships, or outcomes, and find freedom in non-attachment.

4. Cultivating Mindfulness

Practice mindfulness throughout your day by staying present in the moment and fully engaging with whatever you are doing. Notice the sensations in your body, the beauty of your surroundings, and the feelings that arise within you. By cultivating mindfulness, you can deepen your connection to the divine presence and surrender to the present moment.

5. Serving Others Selflessly

Engage in acts of selfless service and compassion towards others. Look for opportunities to help those in need without expecting anything in return. By serving others with love and kindness, you surrender your ego and align yourself with the flow of universal love and compassion.

6. Evening Reflection and Gratitude Practice

End your day with a moment of reflection and gratitude. Take stock of the blessings that came your way and offer thanks to the divine for guiding and supporting you throughout the day. Reflect on any moments of surrender or alignment with the divine and celebrate your connection to something greater than yourself.

Benefits of Practicing Ishvara Pranidhana

1. Inner Peace and Serenity

By surrendering control and trusting in a higher power, individuals often experience a profound sense of inner peace and serenity. Letting go of the need to constantly manage or manipulate outcomes reduces stress, anxiety, and mental agitation, allowing for a greater sense of calmness and equanimity.

2. Release of Ego and Attachment

Ishvara Pranidhana encourages individuals to let go of the ego's need for validation, recognition, and control. Surrendering to a higher power helps diminish the grip of the ego, leading to a greater sense of humility, acceptance, and interconnectedness with others and the world around us. Moreover, it facilitates the release of attachment to material possessions, relationships, and outcomes, fostering freedom from the fluctuations of desire and craving.

3. Trust in the Divine Plan

Trusting in a higher power's wisdom and guidance allows individuals to relinquish the burden of trying to orchestrate every aspect of their lives. This trust cultivates faith in the inherent goodness of the universe and confidence that challenges and obstacles are part of a larger divine plan aimed at growth, learning, and spiritual evolution.

4. Resilience in Adversity

Practicing Ishvara Pranidhana builds resilience in the face of adversity by shifting the focus from personal limitations to divine support. Rather than feeling overwhelmed or defeated by challenges, individuals learn to surrender their struggles to a higher power, finding strength, courage, and perseverance in the process.

5. Alignment with Higher Purpose

Surrendering to a higher power enables individuals to align their lives with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. By letting go of personal agendas and desires, individuals become more attuned to the promptings of their inner wisdom and the guidance of the divine, leading to a life that is more authentic, fulfilling, and in harmony with their true nature.

6. Deepening of Spiritual Connection

Practicing Ishvara Pranidhana deepens one's spiritual connection with the divine, whether conceived as God, the Universe, or one's higher self. Through surrender, individuals open themselves to the transformative power of divine love, grace, and compassion, fostering a sense of oneness, reverence, and awe for the sacredness of all existence.

Mantra and Active Meditation Technique for Svadhyaya

Om Namah Shivaya

As you chant the mantra, draw your mind to the Divine inner wisdom of the Self in the form of Lord Shiva. Also known as the Saranagati Mantra. Saranagati literally translates as ”surrender”. We surrender to the Lord. Thus, this Mantra signifies ”We surrender to the order of the law of the Lord – the Universal law of Karma and the Universal law of Dharma.” Lord Shiva is the Divine Healer. His essence burns away the subtle seeds of karma that bring about physical, emotional, or psychological suffering, awakening a restorative healing force within us to bring longevity, vitality, well-being, and peace.

Options include:

Sit or lay down and say or sing the mantra silently or out loud.

Listen to a recording and sing along

Could wear Mala beads and move fingers along beads for each verse.

Conclusion

"As we grow ourselves into the fullness of what this jewel has to teach us, we begin to understand the magnanimity of what guides, protects, nourishes and cares for us. We begin to understand that there is something much greater which is "doing" us, and we begin to give all of our actions, as well as the fruits of our actions, into the arms of this Divine. Surrender is knowing ourselves to be a part of this Divine Oneness and then giving ourselves over to this greater whole. We find in the process that we do not lose ourselves, but instead become part of the greatness itself" - Deborah Adele, The Yamas & Niyamas

Would you like to start embodying these amazing concepts to enhance your life and the lives around you?

Check out my 8 Limbs Yoga Tribe!

This is where you get access to weekly virtual classes, videos, discounts on in-person classes, events and retreats, community and support.