Niyama focuses on other aspects of personal conduct that facilitate the effective practice of yoga. Having renounced the material world in the first stage, the focus here is on the individual. The first stage of Niyama is the cleansing of the body. This is followed by attaining a sense of contentment even in the absence of worldly possessions. Once the individual is content, austerity and introspection may be pursued. The Niyama stage is fulfilled when the yogi is driven only by his or her devotion to God or the cosmic presence. 

The external aspects of yoga include 'asana', 'pranayama' and 'pratyahara'.