यम 1 Ahimsa - Practise nonviolence. Never be a source of dread, pain or injury. Follow a vegetarian diet. Never harm others by thought, word or deed, even in your dreams. Let go of fear & insecurity.

यम 2 Satya - Practise honesty / truthfulness. Admit your failings. Do not engage in slander, gossip or backbiting. Never betray promises. Speak only that which is true, kind, helpful & necessary. Be fair, accurate & frank in discussions.

यम 3 Asteya - Uphold nonstealing. Control your desires & live within your means. Do not gamble or defraud others. Do not renege on promises. Do not use others' names, words, resources or rights without permission or acknowledgement.

यम 4 Brahmacharya - Practise divine conduct. Be restrained with the opposite sex. Dress and speak modestly. Shun pornography, sexual humor & violence. Before marriage, remain celibate. After marriage, remain faithful.

यम 5 Kshama - Be patient with circumstances & tolerant towards people. Be agreeable. Let others behave according to their nature, without adjusting to you. Don't argue, dominate conversations or interrupt others. Be patient with children & the elderly. Don't be in a hurry. Remain poised in good times & bad.

यम 6 Dhriti - Be steadfast & resolute. Be decisive & persevering. Adapt to changes. Achieve your goals with a prayer, purpose, plan, persistence & push. Avoid sloth & procrastination. Develop willpower, courage & industriousness. Overcome obstacles. Never carp or complain.

यम 7 Daya - Practise compassion. Be kind to people, animals, plants & the earth itself. Foster sympathy for others' needs & suffering. Forgive those who apologize & show true remorse. Oppose family abuse & other cruelties. Honor & assist those who are weak, impoverished, aged or in pain.

यम 8 Aarjava - Maintain honesty, renouncing deception & wrongdoing. Act honorably even in hard times. Obey the laws of your nation. Pay your taxes. Do not bribe or accept bribes. Do not cheat, deceive or circumvent to achieve an end. Be frank with yourself. Face & accept your faults without blaming them on others.

यम 9 Mitahara - Be moderate in appetite. Don't consume meat, fish, fowl & eggs. Avoid junk food. Follow a simple diet. Enjoy fresh, wholesome vegetarian food that vitalize the body. Eat at regular times, only when hungry, at a moderate pace, never in a disturbed atmosphere or when upset.

यम 10 Saucha - Uphold purity in mind, body & speech. Maintain a clean, healthy body. Keep a pure, uncluttered home & workplace. Act virtuously. Keep good company, never mixing with adulterers & thieves. Keep away from pornography & violence. Never use harsh or indecent language. Worship devoutly. Meditate daily.

(Compiled by Aparna Chatterjee)

Anjuman's Other Religious Reads