Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.256

c16.256

**1. Yama,** Abstention. This comprises the following five abstinences, viz. (a) *Ahiṁsā*, which means "abstinence from malice towards all living creatures in every way and at all times" (*sarvathā sarvadā sarvabhūtānāṁ anavidrohaḥ*). This is the root of all other virtues (*yama niyamāḥ stanmūlāḥ*). The *Yogi-yājñavalkyam* makes it abstinence from causing pain (*kleśa-jananam*) by body, mind, or speech. (b) *Satya*, "truth of speech and thought (yathārtha-vāṅmanaḥ) corresponding to what is seen, inferred, or heard." Truth of speech means that the person hearing it is not deceived by it, does not mistake its meaning and implications, and that it is *not* purposeless (*na vañchitā bhrāntā vā pratipatti-bandhyā vāguktā sā*). Truthfulness is also to be limited by a higher consideration for the good of all beings and should not be to their ruin (sarvabhūtopakārārthaṁ na bhūtopaghātāya). Truth is limited by Non-violence (*ahiṁsā*). From violence springs wrong, not right or truth (bhūtopaghātaḥ syāt na satyaṁ bhavet pāpameva-bhavet). Therefore, one should speak the truth which is consistent with universal good (*Tasmāt parīkshya sarvabhūtahitaṁ*