Yamas and Niyamas
Every religion has a code of conduct of "do's and don'ts", the Yamas representing the don'ts while the Niyamas representing the do's of Sanatana Dharma.
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YAMAS
The 10 Vedic Restraints
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NIYAMAS
The 10 Vedic Observances
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1
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Ahimsa
: Non-Injury, Non-Violence
Not
Harming others by, Words or Deeds
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Hri
: Remorse
Being
modest & showing shame for misdeeds
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2
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Satya
: Truthfulness
Refrain
from lying & betraying promises
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Santosha
: Contentment, Satisfied
Seeking
joy with resources, not desiring more
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3
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Asetya : Non-Stealing
Not
stealing, Not entering into debt
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Daana
:
Giving, Charity
Generosity
without thought of reward
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4
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Brahmacharya
: Divine Conduct
Celibate
when single, faithful when married
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Astikya : Faith
Believing
firmly in God, Guru & path of enlightenment
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5
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Kshama : Patience
Restrain
intolerance with people
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Ishvarapujana : Worship of God
Cultivates
devotion through daily worship & meditation
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6
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Dhriti : Steadfastness
Overcoming
Non-perseverance, indecision
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Siddhanta
Sharvana : Listen Scriptures
Studying
the teachings & listening to the wise of one's lineage
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7
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Daya
:
Compassion
Conquering
cruel and insensitive feeling towards all beings.
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Mati
: Cognition, Comprehend
Developing
a spiritual will & intellect with Guru's guidance
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8
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Arjava
: Honesty, Straightforwardness
Renouncing
deception, wrong doing
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Vrata
:
Sacred vows
Fulfilling
religious vows, rules & observances truly
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9
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Mitahara
: Moderate Appetite
Neither
eating too much nor consuming meat, fish or eggs
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Japa
: Recitation
Chanting
mantras regularly
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10
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Shauca
: Purity
Avoiding
impurity in body, mind and speech
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Tapas
: Austerity, Sacrifices, Penance
Performing
Sadhana, Not affected by the
opposites e.g. heat and cold etc.
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