The final Niyama of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga (Raja Yoga) is Ishwara Pranidhana. This is surrender of the ego, the will, to the Absolute. We let God take care of our journey.
In some ways Ishwara Pranidhana seems out of place among the other Niyamas. If we are successful in overcoming our weaknesses, through practicing the other Yamas and Niyamas, it’s possible that the ego may increase.
The practice of Kriya Yoga: Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Ishvara Pranidhana are intended to attenuate the afflictions and prepare the mind for entering into Samadhi. These stages of cleansing are for the purpose of purifying the mind of its impurities and for destroying distractions.
Purification is of two kinds. There is internal (mental) purification and external (physical) purification. Mental purity is very important. Physical purity is also needed. The phrase “Cleanliness is next to godliness” refers to both mental and physical purity. Physical, external purity alone is of no value. Waste not much time to external washing. By so doing, you identify with the body and forget the eternally pure Atman. The afflictions of the mind mentioned in this Sutra are described under Sutra 11-3.
Patanjali understood that along with success, the human mind can become egoistic. We must remember the result of success is not in our hands. It is up to God, to Nature, to Consciousness. So we are reminded to leave the results to God, to Ishwara.
The word Ishwara is used more frequently in Bhakti Yoga. In reference to Ishwara Pranidhana, it is a reminder that we must be humble as we reach the highest. Never take responsibility for, or claim the results of anything. It is nature’s gift, something higher than yourself.
If we see the Niyamas as things that we are to do, then how do we surrender to God? Have we not already surrendered?
There is nothing weak about surrendering. It takes courage to surrender. There’s something grounding and beautiful about literally being ‘on the floor’, praying, prostrating, remembering something higher than our own self at all times.
Through self surrender comes attainment of Samadhi, the super conscious state. The self surrender should be free, perfect, unconditioned and ungrudging. Then Samadhi will come by itself.
Self Surrender is a safe and sure means of God Realization. Have perfect trust in God. Worry not about your future, your money and your health.” – Swami Sivananda