Spiritual Ethics:  Yama and Niyama

To progress along the spiritual path a moral/ethical compass is helpful.  This compass must be both individually practical and universal in nature so it can be applied in our changing world.

Yama and Niyama are two of the limbs of Yoga.  They consist of ten guiding principles that Yoga was founded upon.  Yama means "To regulate or control" and Niyama means "inner culture."   Together  they provide a framework for a balanced approach to life for spiritual aspirants and a base for human ethics.

Ahimsa - Ahimsa means non-injury.  A person should not intend to inflict pain or hurt on anything by thought, word or deed.  Here the intent is crucial.  Obviously, we cannot live without inflicting pain or hurt on others and our environment.  But we must choose to cause the least pain and be aware of the suffering of others (plants, animals and inanimates
included) and show them compassion.  This is not a form of pacificism; rather, it is a dynamic principle which includes the use of force where necessary to prevent suffering. 

Satya - Satya means benevolent truthfulness and honesty.  This means benevolent mental and verbal action, or conscious truth.  Here again your  intent is paramount.

Asteya - Asteya means non-stealing.  One should not take possession of what belongs to others -- neither physically nor mentally.

Aparigraha - Aparigraha means non-indulgence in the amenities which are superfluous to individual preservation.  This is an ecologically based principle whose underlying meaning is to limit one’s physical needs in harmony with supply and the needs of others.  In addition, one should work (meditate) to move individual desires into more subtle realms which is more
beneficial.

Brahmacarya - Brahmacarya means the Creator is your ultimate teacher.  Yoga practitioners should strive to become more cognizant of the role the Creator plays in everyday life and become more and more focused on the Supreme.

Niyama
 

Shoaca - Shoaca means purity -- physically, mentally, and spiritually.  One should keep one’s body and environment clean and attractive; keep the mind pure and free of depravity and depression; and, keep the spirit focused on the most subtle hub of the Universe cultivating devotion.

Santosa - Santosa means mental contentment.  Our world is full of stress -- worry and guilt.  These mental complexes are counter-productive.  We must accept our experiences and keep moving toward the subtle inner sanctum of the Creator.  Move beyond our pains, our pleasures, our achievements and our failures.  Our life is this movement toward the Supreme hub of the Universe and not our everyday roles. 

Tapah - Tapah means penance or selflessness.  In order to overcome our personal weaknesses and expand our will force we must go beyond the ordinary to serve those suffering.  This is essential for spiritual development and enhances one’s ability to give unconditionally.

Svadhyaya - Svadhyaya means the study of scripture.  This does not mean the study of religious scripture but rather the study of spiritual subject in order to gain a clear understanding.  Just a few minutes of study each day allows one to focus the mind on the inherent spiritual nature of all things.

lIishvara Pranidhana - Iishvara Pranidhana means to seek the shelter of the Supreme.  This is done by focusing all of the mental espressions on the nucleus of the universe in the act of meditation.  When all is focused on the Supreme, the mind becomes balanced and unruffled by the ups and downs of life.