Raja Yoga - Free books in pdf format

YAMA49path of Buddhists deals with the practice of Yama only. ln everyreligion you willfind this to be the foremost. Manu says; "Ahimsasatyasteyam sauchamindiya nigraha- harmlessness,truth speaking, refraining from theft, control of senses; this isthe essence of Dharma." Great emphasis is given in everychapter of the Gita on the practice of Yama.Patanjali Maharshi mentions the above five chief items forpractice in Yama. According to Sandilya Rishi, the practice ofSaucha, Daya,Arjava, Dhritiand Mitahara is included in Yama.Saucha is externaland internal purity. Washing the hands, takingbaths, etc., are for external purity. Filling the mind with puredivine thoughts is internal purity. Daya is mercy or compassion,in all places, for all creatures. Arjava is the keeping up of balanceof mind while doing actions. Dhriti is fortitude or mentalpower of endurance. Mitahara is moderation in eating.4. UniversalVowsffi'6drfrq1r6rf,m{tIr-31ffi class, ktpla"e,.6ltT time, {FIrI circumstances, 3ffidfuEfnot limited by,ITI4{1rTI universal, rl6l-il-il(the Great Vows.(These restraints) are the Great Vows, universal, not limitedby class, place, time and circumstances.NOTESThe restraints are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharyaand Aparigraha. This Sutra refers to all the above restraints.Some may have certain conditions and exemptions in observingcertain restraints. One may have a principle not to kill anythingon new moon day. When such conditions and exemptionsare laid down, then the practice of restraints are not consideredto be perfect. They should not be limited by class, place, time orcircumstances. The restraints should be practised at all times,in all places, by one and al!, in all circumstances. They shouldbe practised in thought, word and deed.