YOGINI STYLE LEXICON
MIND · Volume IIIYGYL289–YGYL300

Ethics and Action

12 terms
YGYL289
Ethics (Moral Principles) Nīti नीति

In Yoga, it refers to the moral and ethical principles that guide one's actions, thoughts, and speech, forming the foundation for a virtuous life.

YGYL290
Ahimsa (Non-violence) Ahiṃsā अहिंसा

It is the first and most fundamental of the Yamas, referring to the practice of refraining from causing harm, physically, mentally, or verbally, to any living being, including oneself.

YGYL291
Satya (Truthfulness) Satya सत्य

It is one of the Yamas, referring to the practice of speaking and living truthfully, aligning one's words, thoughts, and actions with reality.

YGYL292
Asteya (Non-stealing) Asteya अस्तेय

It is one of the Yamas, referring to the practice of not taking anything that has not been freely given, whether it be material possessions, ideas, time, or energy.

YGYL293
Brahmacharya (Continence, Wise Use of Energy) Brahmacarya ब्रह्मचर्य

It is one of the Yamas, traditionally referring to celibacy or sexual restraint, but in a broader modern Yoga context, it signifies the wise and conscious management of all forms of energy (physical, mental, sexual, spiritual) to conserve vitality for higher pursuits.

YGYL294
Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness, Non-greed) Aparigraha अपरिग्रह

It is one of the Yamas, referring to the practice of taking only what is necessary and letting go of excessive accumulation of material possessions, relationships, ideas, or even expectations.

YGYL295
Niyama (Personal Observances) Niyama नियम

It is the second limb of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga, referring to five personal observances or disciplines that guide one's relationship with oneself and foster inner growth.

YGYL296
Saucha (Purity, Cleanliness) Śauca शौच

It is one of the Niyamas, referring to the practice of maintaining purity and cleanliness in body, mind, and environment.

YGYL297
Santosha (Contentment) Saṃtoṣa संतोष

It is one of the Niyamas, referring to the practice of finding joy and satisfaction in what one has, rather than constantly seeking more or being dissatisfied with the present moment.

YGYL298
Tapas (Self-discipline, Ardor) Tapas तपस्

It is one of the Niyamas, referring to the practice of self-discipline, austerity, and persistent effort to purify the body and mind, and to burn away impurities.

YGYL299
Svadhyaya (Self-study, Study of Scriptures) Svādhyāya स्वाध्याय

It is one of the Niyamas, referring to the practice of studying sacred texts (like the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita) and engaging in self-reflection to understand one's true nature and purpose.

YGYL300
Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a Higher Power) Īśvara Praṇidhāna ईश्वर प्रणिधान

It is one of the Niyamas, referring to the practice of surrendering one's ego, actions, and outcomes to a higher consciousness, universal principle, or divine will.