WILL AND WISDOM- The Yamas and Niyamas, Introduction

WILL AND WISDOM- The Yamas and Niyamas, Introduction


Our religion teaches us how to become better people, how to live as spiritual beings on this earth. This happens through living virtuously, following the natural and essential guidelines of dharma. These guidelines are recorded in the yamas and niyamas, ancient scriptural injunctions for all aspects of human thought, attitude and behavior. Through following the yamas and niyamas we cultivate our refined, spiritual nature while keeping the instinctive nature in check. We lift ourself into the consciousness of the higher chakras of love, compassion, intelligence and bliss and naturally invoke the powers and blessings of the divine devas and Mahadevas.


The yamas and niyamas are the most pervasive of Hindu ethical obligations and are thousands of years old. They are recorded in numerous Saivite scriptures, including Saint Tirumular's Tirumantiram, Sage Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Sri Gorakhnath's Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Yogadarshana, the Sandilya Upanishad of the Atharva Veda and the Varuha Upanishad of the Krishna Yajur Veda. All the texts mentioned cite ten yamas and ten niyamas with the exception of Sage Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Patanjali listed only five yamas and five niyamas, which are the ones often solely listed in modern books on yoga. The fullness of all twenty disciplines is a complete outline for Saivite religious life and the foundation for the practice of yoga.


Purity, compassion, frugal food and patience, forthrightness, truth and steadfastness--these he ardently cherishes. Killing, stealing and lusting he abhors. Thus stands with virtues ten the one who niyama's ways observes....Tapas, japa, serenity and faith in God, charity, vows in Saiva Way, Siddhanta learning, sacrifice, Siva puja and spiritual intelligence--with these ten, the one in niyama perfects his way.

TIRUMANTIRAM, VERSE 556-557


Yama means "to rein" or control. The yamas include such injunctions as non-injury (ahimsa), non-stealing (asteya) and moderation in eating (mitahara), which harness the base, instinctive nature. Niyama, literally "to unleash," indicates the release or expression of refined soul qualities through such disciplines as charity (dana), contentment (santosha) and incantation (japa). In tomorrow's lesson are listed the Sanskrit yamas and niyamas from the Upanishads, with translations & explanations.


REVIEW


1. The yamas and niyamas are the Hindu ethical "restraints and observances."


2. They harness the base, instinctive nature and cultivate the soul nature.



- YAMAS: RESTRAINTS


1. Ahimsa: NoninjuryDo not harm others by thought, word or deed.


2. Satya: TruthfulnessRefrain from lying and betraying promises.


3. Asteya: NonstealingNeither steal nor covet nor enter into debt.


4. Brahmachariya: Sexual PurityControl lust by remaining celibate when single and faithful in marriage.


5. Kshama: PatienceRestrain intolerance with people and impatience with circumstances.


6. Dhriti: SteadfastnessOvercome non-perseverance, fear, indecision and changeableness.


7. Daya: CompassionConquer callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings.


8. Arjava: HonestyRenounce deception and wrongdoing.


9. Mitahara: Moderate AppetiteNeither eat too much nor consume meat, fish, fowl or eggs.


10. Saucha: PurityAvoid impurity in body, mind and speech.


NIYAMAS: PRACTICES


1. Santosha: ContentmentSeek joy and serenity in life.


2. Tapaha: AusterityPerform sadhana, penance, tapas and sacrifice.


3. Dana: CharityTithe and give creatively withoutthought of reward.


4. Astikya: FaithBelieve firmly in God, Gods, guruand the path to enlightenment.


5. Isvarapujana: WorshipCultivate devotion through dailyworship and meditation.


6. Mati: CognitionDevelop a spiritual will and intellect with a guru's guidance.


7. Siddhantasravana: Scriptural StudyStudy the teachings and listen to the wise of your lineage.


8. Hri: RemorseBe modest and show shame for misdeeds.


9. Japa: RecitationChant holy mantrams daily.


10. Vrata: Sacred VowsFulfill religious vows, rules and observances faithfully.


Source: Saivite Virtue