Timeless principles for life

Non-injury

To respect all life as sacred and to practice non-violence in thought, word and deed, not only relative to people but to animals, plants and all the world of nature

Truthfulness

To always tell the truth, even if does not make one popular, but to do so in an agreeable and friendly manner.

Non-stealing

Not to take or appropriate for oneself something which has not rightfully been given or accrued as the result of one's own efforts.

Divine Conduct

Practice divine conduct, controlling lust by remaining celebate when single and faithful in marriage. Seek holy company. Dress modestly. Shun pronography, sexual humor and violence.

Patience

Exercise patience, restraining intolerence with people and impatience with circumstances, Be agreeable. Let others behave according to their nature, without adjusting to you. Remain poised in good times and bad

Steadfastness

Foster steadfastness, overcoming nonperseverence, fear, indecision, and changeableness. Achieve your goals with a prayer, purpose, plan, persistence and push. Avoid sloth and procrastination. Develop willpower, courage and industriousness. Do not let opposition or fear of failure result in changing strategies

Compassion

Practice compassion. Be kind to people, animals, plants and the Earth itself. Practice forgiveness. Foster sympathy for those who are suffering and in need. Honor and assist those who are weak, impoverished, aged or in pain. Oppose family abuse and other cruelties.

Honesty

Maintain honesty, renouncing deception and wrongdoing. Act honorably even in hard times. Obey laws of your nation and locale. Do not cheat, deceive or circumvent to achieve an end. Face and accept your faults without blaming them on others.

Moderate Appetite

Be moderate in appetite, neither eating too much nor regularly consuming meat, fish, shellfish, fowl or eggs. Enjoy fresh, wholesome vegetarian foods that vitalize the body. Follow a simple diet, avoiding rich or fancy fare.

Purity

To practice purity and cleanliness in body, speech and mind. Maintain a clean and healthy body. Never use harsh, angered or indecent language.

Taken from http://www.saranam.com/kids/Yamas.asp

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