The Divine Life

Introduction: Beyond the Yoga Mat

If you’ve ever felt that yoga could be something more than physical postures, you’re in the right place. The teachings of Sivananda invite us to take the wisdom of yoga beyond formal practice and integrate it into every moment of our existence. This approach transforms yoga from a one-hour activity into a complete way of life—a way of living with greater awareness, creativity, and purpose, 24 hours a day.

Sivananda’s approach transforms yoga into an “attitude and awareness” that permeates every aspect of life. It is no longer something we simply do, but something we are. This perspective nurtures greater creativity and encourages us to engage actively with the world, seeking ways to contribute and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

This integral transformation is precisely what Swami Sivananda called the ideal of the “divine life.”

4. The 18 “QUALITIES”: Your Tool for Daily Transformation

The 18 “QUALITIES” are timeless values that inspire us to live the “divine life.” By practicing them, we gain three key tools that shape our spiritual path:

A clear goal (the quality we seek to cultivate).
A philosophy of life (the understanding of why that quality is valuable).
A practical discipline (the constant effort to live according to that philosophy).

For example, if we work with Serenity: the goal is to live serenely. The philosophy is the idea that it is valuable to remain calm and maintain a positive perspective, rather than falling into criticism and negativity. The discipline is to use yogic practices and conscious effort to reach that goal and remain aligned with that philosophy.

Below, the 18 “QUALITIES” are presented in their logical sequence, designed to build upon one another.

1. Serenity

This is the starting point. Serenity is the ability to be at peace with oneself, calm and free from agitation. It is cultivated by letting go of the expectations we place on people, events, and life in general, which frees us from inner reactions when things do not go as we expect.

2. Regularity

Once there is calm, order can be established. Regularity consists of creating a stable daily routine: waking up, eating, practicing sadhana, and going to bed at the same times each day. This brings discipline and balance to physical and mental life.

3. Absence of Vanity

Success in serenity and regularity can lead to pride. Therefore, the next quality is the absence of vanity. It means not allowing achievements to inflate the ego, treating everyone with respect, and being natural instead of trying to impress others.

4. Sincerity

By freeing ourselves from the need to impress, we can develop sincerity. This means aligning our thoughts, words, and actions. The practice consists of observing and reducing the gap between what we think, what we say, and what we do.

5. Simplicity

Sincerity shows us that we often carry unnecessary “clutter”: mental conditioning and possessions that no longer serve us. Simplicity invites us to simplify the way we think, speak, eat, and live, putting into practice the ideal of “simple living, high thinking.”

6. Truthfulness

Simplicity opens the way to being faithful to ourselves. Truthfulness is living without pretenses, accepting who we are with both our strengths and our weaknesses. It also means speaking the truth in a pleasant way, without harming others.

7. Equanimity

Accepting who we are brings calm and contentment. Equanimity is the ability to maintain mental balance in the face of the pairs of opposites in life: success and failure, praise and blame, pleasure and pain.

8. Steadfastness

An equanimous mind is a stable mind. Steadfastness is the ability to focus on a goal in a constant, steady, and determined way, without deviating from the path.

9. Non-Irritability

As we work steadfastly toward a goal, obstacles may arise that cause frustration. Non-irritability is the quality of not getting upset easily, letting things pass, not taking offense personally, and maintaining calm.

10. Adaptability

Non-irritability develops the flexibility needed to “go with the flow.” Adaptability is the ability to adjust and accommodate to different situations, people, and circumstances with respect and understanding.

11. Humility

Adaptability leads us to value others, which gives rise to humility. Humility is recognizing the importance of other people and the divinity in everyone. It moves us to serve and offer a helping hand, understanding that we all face the same trials.

12. Tenacity

Humility develops great inner strength. Tenacity is a sister virtue of steadfastness. It is the ability to firmly hold on to one’s goals, principles, and values, regardless of difficulties. It is the power to persevere until the goal is reached.

13. Integrity

Tenacity in our values makes us people of character. Integrity is the expression of dharma (right conduct). It is living a righteous life, seeking to do good and help others in every situation.

14. Nobility

Integrity leads to nobility. A noble person is loyal, committed, and devoted to virtue. They focus on seeing and appreciating the good qualities in others instead of searching for their flaws, allowing the beauty in others to flourish.

15. Magnanimity

This is nobility in its broadest sense. A magnanimous person has an open mind and a great heart. They do not dwell on small or trivial matters, overlook the faults of others, forgive and forget, and move forward.

16. Charity

Magnanimity leads us to understand that all the wealth we have accumulated (physical, mental, or emotional) is a trust that has been given to us to share. Charity is the act of giving, with the understanding that nothing truly belongs to us.

17. Generosity

This is the sister virtue of charity. Generosity is being liberal and selfless in giving, without stinginess and without ever resisting a generous impulse. It is finding joy in the act of giving to others.

18. Purity

Living the previous 17 qualities purifies the heart. When the heart is pure, our true being expresses itself naturally. Purity is the result of all our efforts and is manifested in intention, thought, word, and action.

Now that you know the map, it is time to learn how to take the first steps on this exciting journey.

5. Your Action Plan: How to Begin Today

To begin your sadhana with the 18 “QUALITIES,” Swami Sivananda offers a practical and accessible method. You do not need to practice them all at once. Follow these steps:

1. Focus on One Quality

Choose the first quality, Serenity, and dedicate yourself to working on it for one week. This focused approach allows you to go deeper into its meaning and apply it consciously, rather than addressing all the qualities in a superficial way. After 18 weeks, you can begin the cycle again, and each time you will discover new insights.

2. Establish a Resolution (Sankalpa)

Each morning, reinforce your intention with a simple resolution. Say to yourself:
“This week I am working on serenity.”
This morning reminder programs your mind to stay attentive to the practice of that quality throughout the day’s activities.

3. Keep a Spiritual Journal

At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect and write in a journal. Ask yourself two key questions (using serenity as an example):

For how long was I serene today?
When did I lose my serenity?

The goal is not immediate perfection, but continuous and positive effort. Do not become obsessed with changing negative habits; focus on cultivating positive ones. As this philosophy teaches, “when you build the positive dimension of your nature, you become pure within.”

This daily and conscious practice is the engine that drives transformation, leading us to a wisdom that is lived through every action.

6. Conclusion: Wisdom in Action

The fundamental teaching of Swami Sivananda is that true yoga comes alive when we bring it into our lifestyle and express it through our daily interactions. The practice does not end when we step off the mat—this is, in fact, where it truly begins.

By cultivating these 18 “QUALITIES,” we not only transform ourselves, but we also prepare to participate more fully in the world. We learn to recognize our place, fulfill our duties, and have a positive impact on the lives of those around us. This is the ultimate purpose and the most beautiful manifestation of the “divine life.”