Ashta-samyama in Niyamasāra boils down to eightfold self-restraint—an internal security system that keeps fresh karmic dust from settling on the soul. Think of each “gate” as a guard, watching over one channel of experience:

1. Eye-restraint (dṛṣṭi-saṃyama)
   • No staring at violence, sensual thrills or anything that stirs passion.
   • In today’s swipe-left culture, it’s like muting all clickbait and doomscrolling feeds.

2. Ear-restraint (śrotra-saṃyama)
   • Avoid gossip, slander, sensational news meant to rile emotions.
   • A reminder to curate podcasts and playlists that uplift rather than agitate.

3. Nose-restraint (ghrāṇa-saṃyama)
   • Reject odors that fuel desire—perfumed airs or decadent feasts.
   • A subtle discipline in an era of constant foodie FOMO.

4. Tongue-restraint (jihvā-saṃyama)
   • No excessive tasting or idle chatter.
   • Like hitting pause on endless food-porn reels or mindless group-chats.

5. Body-restraint (kāya-saṃyama)
   • No harmful movements or restless fidgeting; every motion is mindful.
   • Today’s twist: treating stretches or micro-breaks at your desk as mini-retreats.

6. Skin-restraint (tvak-saṃyama)
   • No reckless touching or seeking tactile thrills.
   • Imagine unsubscribing from impulse-buy beauty samples or viral massage hacks.

7. Speech-restraint (vāṅmala-saṃyama)
   • Deliver only truth, kindness and purpose—skip the one-upmanship.
   • In Zoom-call culture, it’s knowing when silence speaks louder than small talk.

8. Mind-restraint (manas-saṃyama)
   • No spiraling into hatred, pride or greed.
   • A mental “digital detox,” choosing inner stillness over perpetual notification ping.

Together, these eight form a tight rein—each sense and faculty kept under watch, so the soul sails clear of fresh bondage. Just as a smartphone needs regular updates and security patches, Ashta-samyama sharpens inner vigilance, ensuring vibrant freedom rather than digital-age distraction.