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RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

Your Character — Yamas and Niyamas

Which practices refine and transform character?

The first step of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of awareness and enlightenment is character development through the yamas and niyamas. Practice of these restraints and observances allow the qualities of the inner self to express. See how character development can lead to a life of wholeness and fulfillment.

Sunday Morning Talks

Express Your Soul

In summation, the main purpose of karma is to reveal and transform character. Generally, events in our life occur because we need to see or know something about ourself. Karma is here to show us areas in need of change. Karma keeps knocking until we react. When we study and appreciate karma, it will play more subtly. Our entire experience of life is based on our willingness to refine our character and become a better expression of our perfect soul.

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  • Our experience of life is based on our willingness to refine our character and express the true self within
  • The yamas (restraints) of Patanjali are:  non-violence, non-truthlessness, non-stealing, non-greed and non-sensuality
  • The niyamas (observances) are:  cleanliness, contentment, self-study, self-discipline and devotion
  • Practicing the yamas and niyamas opens us to higher spiritual states
  • Patanjali:  As we release spiritual ignorance, the qualities of the inner self are free to express.

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