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Keys forSpiritual Living
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What are these?
These dos and donts are found in the
Vedas, mankinds oldest body of
scripture. The physical and mental disciplines are
called yamas and niyamas, restraints
and observances. All these values are to be cultivated for
material and spiritual growth.
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YamaVirtues
These are also known as Vedic
restraints..
Moral code of any religion, outliningsound ethics for respect andharmony among humans.
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AhimsaNon-injury
Practice non-injury, not harmingothers by thought, word or deed,
even in your dreams Knowing that harm caused to others
unfailingly returns to oneself, live
peacefully with gods creation Easy TIP - Follow a vegetarian diet,
do not use harsh language, think
kind thoughts.
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Satya- Truthfulness
Adhere to truthfulness throughbody, speech and mind. Refrain
from lying and betraying promises Speak only that which is true, kind,
and helpful. Do not engage in
slander, gossip or backbiting Easy TIP - Admit your failings. Dont
keep secrets from family or loved
ones
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AsteyaNon-stealing
Do not use borrowed resources forunintended purposes or keep them
past due Do not have desire to steal others
wealth
Do not gamble or defraud others Easy TIP - Control your desires and
live within your means
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BrahmcharyaDivineConduct
Respect person of other sex as anelder or your brother or sister
Before marriage, use vital energiesin study, and after marriage increating family success
Easy TIP - Dress and speakmodestly. Shun pornography, sexualhumor and violence
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Aparigraha Good deedswithout expectations
Be happy, smile and uplift others
Dont complain about what you dont
possess. Do not wish to accept donation for
self.
Easy TIP Remember less fortunatewho can not afford what you have
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NiyamaVedic Practices
These are vedic practices that
cultivate and bring forth the refinedsoul qualities.
This are disciplines we have toimpose for ourselves
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Shaucha- Purity
Avoid impurity in mind, body andspeech.
Never use harsh, angered orindecent language
Easy TIP - Keep a pure, uncluttered
home and workplace.
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Tapa- Austerity
Practice austerity, serious disciplines,penance and sacrifice for inner
purification Easy TIP Austerity is like refining soul.
Constancy of purpose, to achieve highergoal in life, sacrifice temptations that
make you lower your goals. Get beyondlikes and dislikes and do the right thingsto achieve your goals.
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SwadhyayaInterest in learningand imparting knowledge
Achieve your goals with a prayer,
purpose, plan, persistence and push Develop willpower, courage and
industriousness
Easy TIP - Do not let opposition orfear of failure change your path ofvirtue
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Ishwara PanidhaaniFaith
and devotion toGOD Hear the scriptures, study the vedic
teachings
Choose a guru, follow his path Spend time wisely
Easy TIP Dedication and devotion
to GOD helps easy absorption ofvedic terms
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Other Values:
These are values to cultivate for
material and spiritual growth
Yama, Niyama and al these valuescan assure progress for one and all
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Kshma- Patience
Dont argue, dominate conversationsor interrupt others
Let others behave according to theirnature, without adjusting to you
Easy TIP - Be patient with children
and the elderly
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Daya- Compassion
Feel yourself more fortunate thanothers
Forgive those who apologize andshow true sympathy for othersneeds and suffering.
Easy TIP - Be kind to people,animals, plants and the Earth itself
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Arjava- Honesty
Do not cheat, deceive or circumventto achieve desired end
Be frank with yourself and to yourinner. Accept your faults andmistakes
Easy TIP - Obey the laws of yournation and locale.
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MitahariModerate Appetite
Eat at regular times, only whenhungry, at a moderate pace
Avoid rich, fancy fare and junk food.A person is what he eats
Easy TIP - Enjoy fresh, wholesome
vegetarian foods that vitalize thebody
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HriLajja - Remorse
Recognize your errors, and do nothesitate to confess
Be modest and show shame formisdeeds
Easy TIP - Sincerely apologize to
those hurt by your words or deeds
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Dana- Giving
Feed and give to those in need
Bestow your time and talents
without seeking praise. Easy TIP Give liberally without
thought of reward
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Astikya- Faith
Believe firmly in God, guru andelders
Practice devotion and sadhana tobuild faith
Easy TIP - Shun those who try to
break your faith by argument
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Ishwara pujan- Worship
Learn a simple puja and the chants
Cultivate devotion through daily
worship and meditation Easy TIP Focus on diety at home,
repeat mantras, do shlokas
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Mati- Cognition
Strive for knowledge of God andvedas
Discover the hidden lesson in eachexperience to develop a profoundunderstanding of life and yourself
Easy TIP Make Learning a life-longprocess
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VrataSacred Vows
Honor vows as spiritual contractswith your soul, your community, and
with God Fast periodically and pilgrimage
regularly
Easy TIP Keep your promise fornon-addiction and vegetarianism
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Japa- Recitation
Chant your holy mantra daily whiletaking bath or waiting in queue
japa quell emotions and quiet therivers of thought
Easy TIP Recitation reinforces the
strength of body and mind
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Questions
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