At the heart of Niyamasara lies dhyana niyama—meditation as more than just a quiet corner and folded hands. It’s the keystone that holds together every ethical effort on the path to liberation. By turning attention inward, aspirants learn to watch thoughts ripple across the psyche without getting pulled into the current. This mindful witnessing loosens the grip of passions—anger, vanity, greed—that act like heavy chains on the soul.

Rather than chasing exotic postures or mystical experiences, Niyamasara’s take on meditation zeroes in on pure self-awareness. Each inhalation and exhalation becomes an opportunity to observe the self’s true nature, untouched by karmic dust. In today’s whirlwind of notifications and streaming binges, this ancient prescription feels like a breath of fresh air, grounding modern seekers in the same timeless practice Jain monks have relied on for centuries.

What really stands out is how meditation in Niyamasara isn’t an isolated ritual. It forms a symbiotic relationship with other observances: body restraint (kayotsarga), vow-keeping, careful conduct, and service. Picture them as points on a wheel, with dhyana niyama at the hub. Without steady focus, the wheel wobbles, making every other effort harder to maintain.

Even recent mental-health initiatives—like the UN’s emphasis on mindfulness during the 2025 International Day of Yoga—echo this message. Yet the Jain approach goes a step further: it’s not just stress relief, but a systematic technique to clear karmic layers until pure consciousness shines through. When the mind stays rooted in that still point, the journey toward freedom picks up real momentum, turning every moment into a stepping-stone rather than a stumbling block.