HINDUISM CODE OF CONDUCT

The yamas and niyams, drawn from the Vedas, are the distilled wisdom of thousands of years of religious culture. They are simple guidelines charting the path of good conduct. Yama means "reining in" or "controlling" the base, instinctive nature. Niyama means "unleashing" or "expressing the divine nature. Observing these twenty restraints and religious practices builds good character, which is the foundation for happiness and spiritual unfoldment.

TEN RESTRAINTS, THE YAMAS

1. Noninjury, ahimsa:Not harming others by thought, word or deed.

2. Truthfulness, satya: Refraining from lying and betraying promises.

3. Nonstealing, asteya: Not stealing, coveting or entering into debt.

4. Divine conduct, brahmacharya: Controlling lust by remaining celibate when single, leading to faithfulness in marriage.

5. Patience, kshama: Restraing intolerance with people and impatience with circumstances.

6. Steadfastness, dhriti: Overcoming nonperseverance, fear, indecision and changeableness.

7. Compassion, daya: Conquering callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings.

8. Honesty, arjava: Renouncing deception and wrongdoing.

9. Moderate appetite, mitahara: Neither eating too much nor consuming meat, fish, fowl or eggs.

10. Purity, saucha: Avoiding impurity in body, mind and speech.