A set of yogic ethics and basic universal rules of dharma that lead to unfolding of highest potential in humans. There are 5 yamas: 1) Ahimsa (not wishing harm to any creature in thought, word or deed), 2) Satya (doing what we say and saying what we do), 3) Asteya (not taking what rightfully belongs to others and not even harboring such desires), 4) Aparigraha (non-coveting, non-possessiveness), and 5) Brahmacharya (continence, control of sexual energy).
Published in Chapter:
Interpersonal Aspects of Mindfulness and Concentrative Meditations
Jyotsna Agrawal (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India) and Poonam Bir Kaur Sahota (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India)
Copyright: © 2022
|Pages: 18
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-8682-2.ch015
Abstract
The chapter discusses the interpersonal aspects of mindfulness and concentrative meditations in terms of the four Brahmavihara/bhavana, also known as four immeasureables. These are maitri/mettā (loving-kindness), muditā (empathetic, appreciative joy), karuṇā (compassion), and upeksha/upekkhā or samata (equanimity). This practice is considered pre-Buddhist (Hindu) and extra-Buddhist (Jain) in its origin, with references present in Vedas, Upanishads, Tantras, Bhagawad Gita, Yoga Vashistha, and Patanjali Yoga Sutras and further elaborated in Buddhism. This chapter will cover both conceptual and application dimension of the Brahmaviharas.