Thursday, January 3, 2013

Yama Niyamas

This is a share froma website I have recently got a chance to read. Courtesy about.com\hinduism

Yamas or Restraints or Don't




1. The first restraint, Noninjury (ahimsa) - not injuring or harming others by thought, word, or deed.

2. The second restraint, Truthfulness (Satya) - refraining from lying and betraying promises

3. The third restraint, Nonstealing (asteya) - neither stealing nor coveting nor entering into debt

4. The fourth restraint, Sexual Purity (brahmacharya) - divine conduct, controlling lust by remaining celibate when single leading to faithfulness in marriage.

5. The fifth restraint, Patience (kshama) - restraining intolerance with people and impatience with circumstances.

6. The sixth restraint, Steadfastness (dhriti) - overcoming non-perseverance, fear, indecision, inconstancy and changeableness.

7. The seventh restraint, Compassion (daya) - conquering callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings.

8. The eighth restraint, Honesty (arjava) - straightforwardness, renouncing deception and wrongdoing.

9. The ninth restraint, Moderate Diet (mitahara) - neither eating too much nor consuming meat, fish, fowl or eggs.

10. The tenth restraint, Purity (saucha) - avoiding impurity in body, mind and speech.





Niyamas or Observances or Do's



1. The first observance, Remorse and Modesty (hri) - being modest and showing shame for misdeeds.

2. The second observance, Contentment (santosha) - seeking joy and serenity in life

3. The third observance, Giving or charity (dana) - giving generously without thought of reward.

4. The fourth observance, Faith (astikya) - believing firmly in god, gods, guru and the path to enlightenment

5. The fifth observance, Worship of the Lord (Ishvarapujana) - the cultivation of devotion through daily worship and meditation.

6. The sixth observance, Scriptural Listening (siddhanta sravana) - studying the teachings and listening to the wise of one's lineage.

7. The seventh observance, Cognition (mati) - developing a spiritual will and intellect with the guru's guidance

8. The eighth observance, Sacred Vows (vrata) - fulfilling religious vows, rules and observances faithfully

9. The Ninth Observance, Recitation or Incantation (japa) - chanting mantras daily

10. The tenth observance, Austerity and Sacrifice (tapas) - performing sadhana, penance, tapas, and sacrifice.