restraints or niyamas

[Guest guest]

hi all. this is from Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami. similar

injunctionas are in ch 16 of the bhagavad gita.

 

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What Are the Ten Classical Restraints?

 

Hinduism's ethical restraints are contained in ten simple precepts

called yamas. They define the codes of conduct by which we harness our

instinctive forces and cultivate the innate, pristine qualities of our

soul. Aum.

 

Bhashya

 

The yamas and niyamas are scriptural injunctions for all aspects of

thought and behavior. They are advice and simple guidelines, not

commandments. The ten yamas, defining the ideals of charya, are: 1)

ahimsa, "noninjury," do not harm others by thought, word or deed; 2)

satya, "truthfulness," refrain from lying and betraying promises; 3)

asteya, "nonstealing," neither steal nor covet nor enter into debt; 4)

brahmacharya, "divine conduct," control lust by remaining celibate

when single, leading to faithfulness in marriage; 5) kshama,

"patience," restrain intolerance with people and impatience with

circumstances;

6) dhriti, "steadfastness," overcome nonperseverance, fear, indecision

and changeableness; 7) daya, "compassion," conquer callous, cruel and

insensitive feelings toward all beings; 8) arjava, "honesty," renounce

deception and wrongdoing; 9) mitahara, "moderate appetite," neither

eat too much, nor consume meat, fish, fowl or eggs; 10) shaucha,

"purity," avoid impurity in body, mind and speech.