good conduct by Subramuniyaswami

[Guest guest]

What Are the Ten Classical Observances?

 

Hinduism's religious tenets are contained in ten terse precepts called

niyamas. They summarize the essential practices that we observe and

the soulful virtues and qualities we strive daily to perfect. Aum

Namah Sivaya.

 

Bhashya

 

Good conduct is a combination of avoiding unethical behavior and

performing virtuous, spiritualizing acts. The accumulated wisdom of

thousands of years of Hindu culture has evolved ten niyamas, or

religious observances. These precepts defining the ideals of kriya

are:

 

1) hri, "remorse," be modest and show shame for misdeeds; 2) santosha,

"contentment," seek joy and serenity in life; 3) dana, "giving," tithe

and give creatively without thought of reward; 4) astikya, "faith,"

believe firmly in God, Gods, guru and the path to enlightenment; 5)

Ishvarapujana, "worship," cultivate devotion through daily puja and

meditation; 6) siddhanta shravana, "scriptural listening," study the

teachings and listen to the wise of one's lineage; 7) mati,

"cognition," develop a spiritual will and intellect with a guru's

guidance; 8) vrata, "sacred vows," fulfill religious vows, rules and

observances faithfully;

9) japa, "recitation," chant holy mantras daily; 10) tapas,

"austerity," perform sadhana, penance, tapas and sacrifice. The Vedas

state, "They indeed possess that Brahma world who possess austerity

and chastity, and in whom the truth is established." Aum Namah Sivaya.