Morality is the base, sadhana (spiritual practice) is the means, and Life Divine the goal.
In the Sádhaná of Ananda Marga, moral education is imparted with this ideal of oneness with Brahma, because Sádhaná is not possible without such a moral ideation. Sádhaná devoid of morality will divert people again towards material enjoyments and at any moment they may use their mental power, acquired with much hardship, to quench their thirst for meagre physical objects. There are many who have fallen from the path of Yoga or Tantra Sádhaná and are spending their days in disrepute and infamy. Whatever little progress they achieved through forcible control of their instincts, was lost in a momentʼs error in pursuit of mundane pleasures.
🧘♂️ Yama – Social Disciplines
Foundational Ethics of Rájádhirája Yoga
What are Yama and Niyama?
Yama and Niyama are the foundational disciplines of Rájádhirája Yoga, forming the first two limbs of the Eightfold Path in Ananda Marga’s spiritual system. These principles guide aspirants toward a life of self-restraint, compassion, truthfulness, and simplicity, creating the moral groundwork necessary for deeper spiritual practices.
“Those who can maintain their restraint in spite of intense provocation are the real spiritual aspirants. They alone have overcome anger. Inspire those who are liars and criminals to live honest lives by pointing out their defects. This is the only spiritual approach to punish wrongdoers. Supreme truth is ever resplendent and can never be tarnished by false propaganda.”
– Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
“You must have a flaming moral purpose so that greed, oppression and exploitation shrivel before the fire in you.”
– Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
🕉️ The Five Yamas
Foundations of Yogic Living
1. Ahiḿsá (Non-violence)
Cultivate compassion. Avoid harm in thought, speech, or action.
Manovákkáyaeh sarvabhútánámapiidánamahiḿsá.
2. Satya (Truthfulness)
Speak and act with honesty. Let truth guide your life.
Parahitártham váunmanoso yathárthatvam satyam.
3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
Do not take what is not freely given. Respect boundaries and time.
Paradravyápaharańo tyágoʼsteyam.
4. Brahmacarya (Control of Desires)
Practice moderation. Channel your energy toward self-realization.
Brahmańi vicarańam iti Brahmacaryam.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)
Let go of material attachment. Live with simplicity and freedom.
Deharakśá tiriktabhogasádhanásviikaroʼparigraha.
“You must have a flaming moral purpose so that greed, oppression and exploitation shrivel before the fire in you..” – Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
🌼 The Five Niyamas
Daily Disciplines for Spiritual Growth
1. Shaoca (Cleanliness)
Maintain cleanliness of body, mind, and surroundings. Purity fosters clarity.
2. Santośa (Contentment)
Be content with what you have. Find peace in simplicity and gratitude.
3. Tapah (Austerity)
Discipline your body and mind through self-effort, service, and sacrifice.
4. Svádhyaya (Self-study)
Study spiritual texts and reflect on the Self. Grow in wisdom and awareness.
5. Iishvara Prańidhána (Surrender to the Supreme)
Offer all actions to the Divine. Cultivate devotion and inner surrender.
“Through Niyama, the inner world becomes pure, balanced, and uplifted.”
🧭 What Is Morality (Níiti)?
The Pathway to True Well-being and Spiritual Liberation
For those unfamiliar with this topic, let us reflect on the meaning of morality. The Sanskrit word níiti comes from the root níi (to lead) and means “that which leads to kśema,” or true well-being—spiritual progress, peace, and final liberation.
Modern life, rooted in fear and insecurity, trades inner freedom for false safety. True security comes from realizing our spiritual nature, and the journey toward that realization is morality.
🌱 Essence and Strength of Morality
From this spiritual strength arises moral stamina. Different societies may have different expressions of morality, but its essence is the same: promoting internal harmony and guiding individuals toward deeper love and collective growth.
According to Shrii Shrii Anandamurti Yama and Niyama is part and parcel of the devotional flowering (from sentient to absolute [kevala] devtion).
💠 Expressions of Morality
- Anuníiti: Social expression of morality—courtesy, harmony, and peace.
- Viníta: One who becomes humble and reverent through training in morality.
- Praníiti: The flowering of morality as ethical policy for society.
- Dańd́aníiti: Righteous discipline that stops exploitation and injustice.
- Sadvipra: A spiritual revolutionary who leads with wisdom and love.
True humility arises from facing our failures and leads to surrender to the Supreme within. This surrender makes morality divine and active in service of justice.
Finally, moral action (puńya) means both doing good and accumulating virtue. But even spiritual seekers must beware of ego and greed for virtue, as this can cause spiritual downfall, as warned by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti.
“You must have a flaming moral purpose so that greed, oppression and exploitation shrivel before the fire in you.”
– Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
Learn More about Yama & Niyama in the Jiivan Veda (A Guide to Human Conduct) Book below
Books
Meditation- A Beginner's Guide.
Jiivan Veda.
Ananda Sutram.