MAHA VRATTA
THE GREAT VOW OF RIGHTEOUS LIVING
Principles of love that help us plant seeds of freedom and joy
YAMAS
ETHICAL OBSERVANCES
1. AHIMSA - non harming - the practice of loving kindness to all beings
2. SATYA - honesty - telling the truth and living your truth and the truth of our oneness
3. ASTEYA - non stealing - only take what is freely and clearly given, including energy and time
4. BRAMACHARYA - sexual purity - never come between others who are in relationship; always treat
your beloved as divine
5. APARIGRAHA - non grasping - release neediness and attachment, celebrate the success and happiness
of others and offer compassion when others suffer
NIYAMAS
PERSONAL OBSERVANCES
1. SAUCHA - cleanliness and order in body mind and home
2. SANTOSHA - contentment - gratitude for what is and willingness to make the best of it
3. TAPAS - passion and determination to strive for betterment even when severely challenged
4. SVADYAYA - study of self and scriptures - willingness to look at where we are out of alignment, how
we got there and how we can return to our highest
5. ISHVARAPRANIDHANA - surrender of all effort to the grace that supports us and all life – offering
our efforts to God and the good of all beings