Ethical Principles Of Yoga Philosophy In University Students: Construction And Validation Of Niyama (Personal Discipline) Questionnaire

Abstract

Yoga is mostly recognized in modern times for its Asanas (Postures) and Pranayama (Breathing exercises), while it has a rich philosophical and spiritual foundation that is often overlooked. Particularly Yoga's ethical principles, the Yamas and Niyamas are of great relevance for students and Yoga practitioners. Niyamas are the second limb of the eightfold path of Yoga, as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. These principles guide individuals in developing personal ethics and attitudes toward themselves. The importance of Yogic Niyama lies in their ability to foster inner harmony, spiritual growth, and a balanced, purposeful life. Ashtanga yoga emphasizes the need of Yama or social discipline and Niyama (personal discipline) in building a peaceful, harmonious, and pleasant social environment. We thus intended to develop and validate a questionnaire that operationalizes the Niyamas and performed a cross-sectional survey among 140 students of age ranging from 18 to 30 years from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and Govt. Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi affiliated to Sampurnanand Sanskrit University. Principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of 15-item Yama Questionnaire pointed to 5 factors with good internal consistencies (Cronbach’s α). Internal reliability and construct validity of the responses were examined, as well as confirmatory factor analysis to examine the scale's factor structure. The reliability of this questionnaire is established based on Cronbach’s alpha coefficient value of 0.82 for entire questionnaire that calculated 0.60-0.80 for the five factors. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that items loaded on the relevant factors in a five-factor model. A confirmatory factor analysis and variance analysis were carried out using AMOS 22 and SPSS version 20 to examine the model fit and establish internal consistency. The CFA showed good model fit indices (CMIN (Chi- Square/df)= 1.888, GFI =0.910, CFI=0.927, TLI= 0.902, RMSEA=0.070, SRMR=0.074). Thus, the Niyama Questionnaire (NiQ) seems to be suited for University Students and could be a useful measure in future studies which intend to analyse the social and life style related attitudes and behaviours of students. It can be assumed that the ethical principles are important contributors for lifestyle and behaviours changes. The Niyama Questionnaire (NiQ) is a valid and internally reliable tool for assessing Niyama status in University Students of age 18 to 30.