Moral Principles

[Dada krpamayananda]

Tools for Mental Health

 

            Mental health comes from developing proper social harmony and personal development. Today's instant "Pop" culture has eroded many of the deep cultural values of peoples all over the world. As a result many people are unsure how we should act in this life. We have learned from experience, parents, teachers and friends. But often each one gives a different view and it has created confusion.

            To act in different situations requires a clear view. If we don't have a clear idea how to act, especially why we act, the situation often leads to action that worsen instead of improve the situa­tion.

            In Yoga the word morality doesn't mean do's and don'ts but "proper utilization of our sensory and motor organs". What does proper mean? "That which provides for individual and collective welfare and brings us to our goal".

             10 tools or guideposts to help people decide how to act in a positive way so they can experience social harmony and individual development

 

 

 

 

Tools for Social harmony and Individual development

 

YAMA (Social Harmony)

 

1. Non-Harming

2. Benevolent Truth

3. Non-Stealing

4. Non-Luxurious Living

5. Seeing the Great in All

 

NIYAMA (Personal Development)

6. Purity (mind & body)

7. Mental Contentment

8. Serving Others with Sacrifice

9. Study of Wisdom

10. Moving to the Great

 

 

YAMA

(Social Harmony)

 

 

1. Non-Harming: in thought, words as well as in action
2. Benevolent Truth: speaking with the welfare of others in mind. Absolute truth spoken can be harmful or helpful depending on the situation.
3. Non-Stealing: in thoughts as well as in actions. Also includes "depriving others of their due", ego not paying bus or not paying attendant at the public toilets.
4. Non-Luxurious Living: we should maintain a standard of living like those around us and not acquire luxurious items that others around us can't afford. This will always lead to tensions with the neighbors. Also physical resources on this planet are limited. If we accumulate too much, it will mean that someone else has to go without. This point also counsels right living with respect to the natural environment: not wasting water or electricity or pol1uting water or air.
5. Seeing the Great in All: seeing the "unity" of life, behind the apparent diversity. When we feel at one with others we naturally won't think to harm or steal from them.

 

 

 

 

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.5/178 - Release Date: 22/11/2005