What does living virtuously mean to Hindus? It is following the natural and essential guidelines of dharma and the 10 yamas and 10 niyamas - ancient scriptural injunctions for all aspects of human thought, attitude and behavior. These do's and don'ts are a common-sense code recorded in the Upanishads, in the final section of the 6000-to 8000-year-old Vedas.
Read about the 10 yamas, which means "reining in" or "control", and the 10 niyamas, i.e., observances or practices as interpreted by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.
The 10 Yamas - Restraints or Proper Conduct
Ahimsa or Non-injury
Satya or Truthfulness
Asteya or Nonstealing
Brahmacharya or Sexual Purity
Kshama or Patience
Dhriti or Steadfastness
Daya or Compassion
Arjava or Honesty
Mitahara or Moderate Diet
Saucha or Purity
The 10 Niyamas - Observances or Practices
Hri or Modesty
Santosha or Contentment
Dana or Charity
Astikya or Faith
Ishvarapujana or Worship of the Lord
Siddhanta Sravana or Scriptural Listening
Mati or Cognition
Vrata or Sacred Vows
Japa or Incantation
Tapas or Austerity
These are the 20 ethical guidelines called yamas and niyamas, or restraints and observances. Sage Patanjali (c 200 BC), propounder of Raja Yoga, said, "These yamas are not limited by class, country, time, or situation. Hence they are called the universal great vows."
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