Chapter 4 §
Articles Of Conduct
क्रियसंहिता
EVOUT ŚISHYAS ADHERE TO THE CENTRAL PRINCIPLES OF RIGHT LIVING ELOQUENTLY ELUCIDATED IN TWO LIFETRANSFORMING TEXTS: LIVING WITH ŚIVA, HINDUISM’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE, AND DANCING WITH ŚIVA, HINDUISM’S CONTEMPORARY CATECHISM. THIS CHAPTER GIVES THE ESSENCE OF THOSE PRINCIPLES, CALLED ARTICLES OF CONDUCT. THE SĀDHANA FOR ALL MEMBERS IS TO MOLD THEIR LIVES INTO THESE ANCIENT, TRADITIONAL IDEALS.§
53 ¶Fellowship members everywhere accept and implement our “articles of conduct.” These are practices and guidelines for a totally integrated, productive, spiritually unified group all following the Paramparā’s Advaita Īśvaravāda teachings, all living according to the traditions of culture that have persisted through the modern “freedom” years and still stand as the way of wisdom. The articles of conduct, taught and encouraged by my swāmīs and kulapati missionaries, are as follows. §
1. THE FIVE OBLIGATIONS: The pañcha kriyās, or pañcha nitya karmas, outline simply the primary religious obligations of all Hindus. §
2. THE FIVE PARENTING GUIDELINES: These are five keys, pañcha kuṭumba sādhana, for raising children as strong, secure, responsible, tolerant and traditional citizens. These guidelines are essential for every head of family to fully implement. §
3-5. THE NANDINĀTHA SŪTRAS: The 365 Nandinātha Sūtras of Living with Śiva give the complete pattern of culture. All members vow to uphold to the best of their ability and teach to the next generation all 365 sūtras. Of these, fifty-four define the minimal codes of living, private and public, for each śishya to remold his life into fulfilling, and each kulapati and kulamātā to gently but firmly administrate to maintain a wholesome, happy, secure household and a positive, cultural growth in the extended family. These 54 sūtras are organized into three groups: 1) nine mūla sūtras, or root aphorisms; 2) thirty gṛihya sūtras, or household aphorisms; and 3) fifteen nivārita sūtras, or forbidden aphorisms. These 54 sūtras from Living with Śiva along with the remaining 311 define the code of initiates and the ideal of all members.§
6-7. THE TWENTY RESTRAINTS AND PRACTICES: The yamas and niyamas define good conduct and offer cardinal guidelines for the wise handling of karma. These are the essential moral and ethical observances of Hindu life which make possible steady personal unfoldment and harmonious life in relation to oneself, other people and the inner worlds. §
8. THE SIXTY-FOUR EDUCATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The sixty-four kalās—skills, arts and realms of Vedic and contemporary knowledge—outline a curriculum taught to girls and boys by mothers, fathers and teachers at home and in gurukulams for a productive, successful home and public life. §
9. THE FIVE SACRIFICES: Families of all Hindu sects recognize five daily social and religious duties or sacrifices, yajña, which acknowledge our interconnectedness with the beings of all three worlds. These are known as the pañcha mahāyajña, five great sacrifices to God, Gods, ancestors, creatures and men. §
I. Five Obligations: Pañcha Kriyās§
54 The pañcha kriyās, or pañcha nitya karmas, are traditional religious obligations to our religion, our extended family and ourselves. §
1. THE FIRST OBLIGATION: VIRTUOUS LIVING, DHARMA
Following the laws of dharma includes observing the teachings of the Tirukural, remaining celibate until marriage, obeying strī dharma for women and purusha dharma for men. Dharma is goodness in thought, word and deed. §
2. THE SECOND OBLIGATION: WORSHIP, UPĀSANA
Personal worship in the home shrine includes performance of pūjā, sādhana, japa and religious study. Regular devotions in home and temple bring forth love of God and prepare the mind for the practice of meditation. §
3. THE THIRD OBLIGATION: HOLY DAYS, UTSAVA
The observance of Śaivite festivals in the home and temple, including guru pūjā days, brings deep communion with God during highly spiritual times of the year. Utsava includes fasting and attending the temple on Mondays or Fridays, the weekly holy days. §
4. THE FOURTH OBLIGATION: PILGRIMAGE, TĪRTHAYĀTRĀ
At least once each year every Śaivite must make a pilgrimage to a holy place, whether near or far. This is a time when all worldly matters are set aside and God becomes the central and singular focus of life. §
5. THE FIFTH OBLIGATION: SACRAMENTS, SAṀSKĀRAS
Sacraments are special ceremonies which mark our passages in life and sanctify these cycles of experience. They include the rites of birth, first feeding, learning, marriage, death, monastic vows for monks and more. §
II. The Five Parenting Guidelines§
55 ¶The pañcha kuṭumba sādhanas are five parenting guidelines for raising children as strong, secure, responsible, tolerant and traditional citizens. §
1. THE FIRST PARENTING GUIDE: GOOD CONDUCT, DHARMĀCHĀRA
Loving fathers and mothers, knowing they are the greatest influence in a child’s life, behave the way their dear children should when adults. They never anger or argue before young ones. Father in a dhoti, mother in a sārī at home, all sing to God, Gods and guru. §
That part of Him which is characterized by tamas is called Rudra. That part of Him which belongs to rajas is Brahmā. That part of Him which belongs to sattva is Vishṇu.§
KṚISHṆA YAJUR VEDA, MAITU 5.2. BO UPH, 423§
2. THE SECOND PARENTING GUIDE: HOME WORSHIP, DHARMA SVAGṚIHA
Loving fathers and mothers establish a separate shrine room in the home for God, Gods and guardian devas
of the family. Ideally it should be large enough for all the dear children. It is a sacred place for scriptural study, a refuge from the karmic storms of life. §
3. THE THIRD PARENTING GUIDE: TALKING ABOUT RELIGION, DHARMA SAMBHĀSHANA
Loving fathers and mothers speak Vedic precepts while driving, eating and playing. This helps dear children understand experiences in right perspective. Parents know many worldly voices are blaring, and their dharmic voice must be stronger. §
4. THE FOURTH PARENTING GUIDE: CONTINUING SELF-STUDY, DHARMA SVĀDHYĀYA
Loving fathers and mothers keep informed by studying the Vedas, Āgamas and sacred literature, listening to swāmīs and paṇḍitas. Youth face a world they will one day own, thus parents prepare their dear children to guide their own future progeny. §
5. THE FIFTH PARENTING GUIDE: FOLLOWING A SPIRITUAL PRECEPTOR, DHARMA SAṄGA
Loving fathers and mothers choose a preceptor, a traditional satguru, and a lineage to follow. They support their lineage with all their heart, energy and service. The satguru in turn provides them clear guidance for a successful life, material and religious. §
III. Nine Root Aphorisms: Mūla Sūtras§
56 ¶The mūla sūtras are nine root aphorisms from the 365 Nandinātha Sūtras which describe the fundamental qualities of Śaiva Hindu living. They unmistakably distinguish the ardent, devout practitioner from those who are yet to make a complete, uncompromised twenty-four-hour-a-day commitment to a life of dharma. §
1. THE 1ST ROOT APHORISM: SŪTRA 2, FOUR NOBLE GOALS
Śiva’s devotees bask contentedly in Śiva consciousness, seeing the pure life energy in every person, animal, bird, reptile, fish, insect, plant, tree and even microscopic intelligence as Supreme God Śiva Himself. Aum.§
2. THE 2ND ROOT APHORISM: SŪTRA 73, TRADITIONAL SURROUNDINGS
Śiva’s devotees, in their homes, endeavor to surround themselves with Śaiva images, music and song. In the world they may enjoy the arts of other cultures but strictly avoid lower-world artistic expressions. Aum.§
3. THE 3RD ROOT APHORISM: SŪTRA 306, SCRIPTURAL STUDY
My devotees avidly study The Master Course as their lifetime sādhana, allowing its mystical and practical teachings to light their inner path. In these profound lessons they discover the meaning of life’s many lessons. Aum.§
4. THE 4TH ROOT APHORISM: SŪTRA 300, ŚAIVITE NAME
All my devotees bear and legally register their Śaivite Hindu name, first and last, and use it proudly each day in all circumstances, never concealing or altering it to adjust to non-Hindu cultures. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
5. THE 5TH ROOT APHORISM: SŪTRA 186, VEGETARIAN DIET
Śiva’s devotees cook and eat in the balanced, varied, vegetarian, Indian āyurvedic manner, enjoying healthy, unprocessed, freshly cooked foods. Occasionally, they may partake of cuisine from other world cultures. Aum.§
6. THE 6TH ROOT APHORISM: SŪTRA 200, AVOIDING DRUGS
Śiva’s devotees stand against drugs and never mix with those who use them or listen to talk extolling them. The drug culture and its demonic music erode the very fabric of human character and culture. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
7. THE 7TH ROOT APHORISM: SŪTRA 161, MONTHLY TITHE
Śiva’s close devotees take a vow and joyously tithe ten percent of their gross income to their lineage monthly. This is God’s money. Using it otherwise is forbidden—a karma reaping loss exceeding all anticipated gain. Aum.§
8. THE 8TH ROOT APHORISM: SŪTRA 246, ANNUAL REDEDICATION
Śiva’s devotees seek their satguru’s blessings, act in harmony with his will, trust in his supreme wisdom, seek refuge in his grace and rush forward to rededicate themselves each year during the month of the guru. Aum.§
9. THE 9TH ROOT APHORISM: SŪTRA 273, ETHICAL CONVERSION
My ardent devotees of other religions or lineages who seek to enter my Śaiva Church must, with authorized guidance, formally sever all loyalties by talking with former preceptors and gaining a written release. Aum.§
IV. The Thirty Family Aphorisms§
57 ¶ The gṛihya sūtras, or family aphorisms, are a special collection of aphorisms from Living with Śiva that pertain to ongoing daily life within the home. While many more household sūtras should certainly be followed, this is a concise set of the most crucial principles each kulapati and kulamātā gently monitors to administrate the positive growth of their tightly-knit Śaiva family. §
1. THE FIRST FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 4, ONENESS WITH THE SATGURU
Śiva’s devotees strive to be inwardly one with their satguru, acknowledging the paramount need for a spiritual preceptor to guide them on the upward climb, the straight path that leads to Lord Śiva’s holy feet. Aum.§
2. THE SECOND FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 13, TEACHING CHILDREN
Those who live with Śiva teach children the five precepts: God as All in all, temples, karma, reincarnation/liberation, scripture/preceptor; and five practices: virtue, worship, holy days, sacraments and pilgrimage. Aum.§
Self-resplendent, formless, unoriginated and pure, that all-pervading being is both within and without. He transcends even the transcendent, unmanifest, causal state of the universe.§
ATHARVA VEDA, MUNDU 2.1.2§
3. THE THIRD FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 70, CONSERVING THE GIFTS OF NATURE
All Śiva’s devotees are frugal and resourceful, avoiding waste and conserving nature’s precious resources. They wisely store a three-to-twelvemonth supply of food according to the family’s means. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
4. THE FOURTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 71, SEXUAL FAITHFULNESS
Devout Hindus observe the eightfold celibacy toward everyone but their spouse, renouncing sexual fantasy, glorification, flirtation, lustful glances, secret love talk, amorous longing, rendezvous and intercourse. Aum.§
5. THE FIFTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 74, WISE USE OF TELEVISION
Śiva’s devotees may watch television and other media for recreation and to keep informed about the world, limiting viewing to about two hours a day. They avoid nudity, foul language, crudeness and excessive violence. Aum.§
6. THE SIXTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 301, DEVELOPING A USEFUL A CRAFT
All my devotees are encouraged to learn a skill requiring the use of their hands, such as pottery, sewing, weaving, painting, gardening, baking or the building arts, to manifest creative benefits for family and community. Aum.§
7. THE SEVENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 302, MUSIC, ART, DRAMA AND THE DANCE
All my devotees are encouraged to perfect a cultural accomplishment, be it a form of art, singing, drama, dance or a musical instrument of Śiva’s ensemble—vīṇā, mṛidaĪgam, tambūra, cymbals and bamboo flute. Aum.§
8. THE EIGHTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 305, LIVING THE TAMIL SAIVA CULTURE
All my devotees are encouraged to adopt the gestures, attitudes, customs, ways of worship, dress and refinements of Tamil Śaiva protocol. They learn by living and studying with traditional Śaivites. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
9. THE NINTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 21, HOLDING A DAILY VIGIL
Worshipers of Śiva perform a one-hour daily vigil, ideally before sunrise, in a clean, quiet place, after bathing and donning fresh clothing and holy ash. This vigil is optional on weekends and when traveling or ill. Aum.§
10. THE TENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 29, KEEPING CLEAN SURROUNDINGS
Lovers of Śiva keep their home and work environment clean and uncluttered to maintain a spiritual vibration and not attract negative forces. They seek fresh air and sunshine and surround themselves with beauty. Aum.§
11. THE ELEVENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 195, EXERCISING DAILY
Śiva’s devotees keep strong and healthy by exercising at least one half hour each day through such activities as brisk walking, swimming, dancing, salutations to the sun, haṭha yoga and vigorous work. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
12. THE TWELFTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 158, RESPONSIBLE MONEY MANAGEMENT
Śiva’s devotees keep a monthly budget and regulate expenses according to their revenues. They never abuse credit or indulge in extravagant buying, for they know that spending in excess of income invites misery. Aum.§
13. THE THIRTEENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 84, TRADITIONAL ATTIRE FOR MEN
Śiva’s men devotees dress, whenever appropriate, in impeccable traditional Hindu attire, always at home, in the temple and at religious/cultural events. Their outer elegance is equaled only by their inner dignity. Aum.§
14. THE FOURTEENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 85, THE HOME AS REFUGE
Śiva’s men devotees, on arriving home from work, immediately bathe and enter their shrine for the blessings of Gods and guru to dispel worldly forces and regain the state of Śiva consciousness. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
15. THE FIFTEENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 88, CONTACTING WIVES DAILY
When away from home, each of Śiva’s married men devotees contacts his wife every day to express his love and inquire about her day. He avoids rowdy company and never visits another woman’s home alone. Aum.§
16. THE SIXTEENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 90, FAMILY TOGETHERNESS
Each of Śiva’s devotees who is a husband spends time with his wife and children daily. Monday is a family evening at home. One night monthly is devoted to the wife alone in an activity of her choice. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
17. THE SEVENTEENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 91, WOMEN’S ATTIRE
Śiva’s women devotees wear, whenever appropriate, traditional Hindu attire, always at home and in the temple, adding rich jewelry for cultural events. Ever modest and elegant, they never expose breasts or thighs. Aum.§
18. THE EIGHTEENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 98, WIFE’S MORNING DUTIES
Each of Śiva’s married women devotees observes the custom of arising before her husband, to bathe, ready the shrine and prepare his morning beverage. First up and last to retire, she is in charge of her home. Aum.§
19. THE NINETEENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 99, MEALTIME CUSTOMS
Each of Śiva’s married women devotees joyously observes at mealtimes the ancient custom of serving her husband and family first. When they are satisfied, she is fulfilled and only then sits down for her own meal. Aum.§
20. THE TWENTIETH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 126, THE GUEST IS GOD IN ŚAIVA HOMES
Hospitality flows from Śiva’s followers like sweet music from a vīṇā. Guests are treated as Gods. Friends, relatives, acquaintances, even strangers, are humbled by the overwhelming, ever-willing attention received. Aum.§
21. THE TWENTY-FIRST FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 131, THE HUSBAND’S DHARMA
Each of Śiva’s married men followers strives to fulfill male dharma, safeguarding the integrity of society and the family through protecting and providing abundantly for his beloved wife, children and parents. Aum.§
He is God, hidden in all beings, their inmost soul who is in all. He watches the works of creation, lives in all things, watches all things. He is pure consciousness, beyond the three conditions of nature. §
KṚISHṆA YAJUR VEDA, SVETU 6.11. UPM, 95§
22. THE TWENTY-SECOND FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 132, THE WIFE’S DHARMA
Each of Śiva’s married women followers strives to fulfill female dharma, perpetuating the race, family and the faith through remaining in the home to nurture, guide and strengthen her dear husband and children. Aum.§
23. THE TWENTY-THIRD FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 134, CARING FOR ELDERS
Śiva’s followers who are householders care for their parents and close relatives all through life. The elderly especially must be comforted, honored at auspicious times and never left alone for extended periods. Aum.§
24. THE TWENTY-FOURTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 135, LIMITING THE STAY OF GUESTS
Śiva’s householder followers, to protect family sanctity and avoid magnetic entanglements, do not allow adult guests in their home for more than three nights who are not part of their extended family. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
25. THE TWENTY-FIFTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 136, SPIRITUAL PARENTING
Śiva’s followers use astrology, tradition and wise counsel to cultivate each child’s inherent talents and higher nature. They hold family meetings daily to share, plan, express love and discuss issues with mutual respect. Aum.§
26. THE TWENTY-SIXTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 143, CHILDREN AND FINANCE
Śiva’s followers who are parents preserve family unity and teach responsibility by not granting youth financial independence. Money is given only for approved expenses, and change is returned with accounting. Aum.§
27. THE TWENTY-SEVENTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 146, FAMILY OCCUPATION
Śiva’s followers abide by the tradition of bringing sons and daughters into the family skills, profession or business by involving them from a young age. This is family dharma, family bonding, family perpetuation. Aum.§
28. THE TWENTY-EIGHTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 149, RESPONSIBLE CHAPERONING
Śiva’s followers accept the serious responsibility of guiding the private and social life of their children. They chaperone and monitor friendships to help ensure that young ones grow up safe and celibate. Aum.§
29. THE TWENTY-NINTH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 152, BRINGING JOY TO PARENTS
Śiva’s young adult followers realize they have a debt to their parents for their birth, early raising and education, which they repay with obedience and affection, giving joy, practical assistance and satisfaction. Aum.§
30. THE THIRTIETH FAMILY APHORISM: SŪTRA 223, VENEERATING WORTHY LEADERS
Devout Hindus honor a satguru, a head of state, a respected elder, a learned scholar, a renunciate or ascetic of any lineage. Upon his entrance, they stand, rush forward, bow appropriately and offer kind words. Aum.§
V: The Fifteen Forbidden Aphorisms§
58 ¶The forbidden aphorisms, nivārita sūtras, are fifteen verses from Living with Śiva disclosing practices that are, in wisdom, always avoided. In fact, they are forbidden. These character-building, character-maintaining precepts allow for inner freedom that is unsurpassed. Stress, often a by-product of guilt, has no home in individuals who never allow themselves to participate in any of these unwholesome areas. “It is wise to fear that which is to be feared.” §
1. THE FIRST FORBIDDEN APHORISM, SŪTRA 57, SUICIDE
Śiva’s devotees are forbidden to escape life’s experience through suicide. However, in cases of terminal illness, under strict community regulation, tradition does allow fasting as a means of mors voluntaria religiosa. Aum.§
2. THE SECOND FORBIDDEN APHORISM, SŪTRA 196, TOBACCO
Śiva’s devotees are forbidden to smoke, chew tobacco or inhale snuff. They know nicotine’s deadly, addictive power and value health and longevity as primary to fulfilling good karmas and serving the community. Aum.§
3. THE THIRD FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 197, DRUGS
Śiva’s devotees are forbidden to use drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, barbiturates, psychedelics and marijuana, unless prescribed by a licensed physician. They know their devastating effects. Aum.§
4. THE FOURTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 201, ALCOHOL
All strong and intoxicating distilled alcohols are forbidden to Śiva’s devotees. They may moderately partake of the family of wines and beers, including honey mead, for these are wholesome when properly enjoyed. Aum.§
5. THE FIFTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 204, WOMEN DRINKING IN PUBLIC
All Hindu women, respecting customs of decorum and demureness, refrain from drinking alcohol in public. During pregnancy, they abstain completely to protect the health and well-being of their unborn child. Aum.§
6. THE SIXTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 216, BURYING THE DEAD
Devout Hindus always cremate their dead. Burial is forbidden by tradition. Embalming is never permitted, and no autopsy is performed unless required by law. Ashes are ceremoniously committed to a river or ocean. Aum.§
7. THE SEVENTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 183, PROMOTING DESTRUCTION
Śiva’s devotees who are scientists or medical researchers refuse to participate in product testing that is harmful to the subject. They are forbidden to take part in any enterprise that promotes death or destruction. Aum.§
8. THE EIGHT FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 86, WIFE ABUSE
Each of Śiva’s married men devotees loves and cares for his wife, despite any shortcomings. He is forbidden to strike or speak harshly to her or ignore her needs. If he does, he must seek family and professional help. Aum.§
Parameśvara is the cause of the five manifest aspects: emanation, sṛishṭi; preservation, sthiti; dissolution, saṁhāra; concealment, tirobhāva; and revelation, anugraha.§
RAURAVA ĀGAMA KRIYĀ PĀDA 63.2–6. AK, 51§
9. THE NINTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 138, CHILD ABUSE
Śiva’s followers never govern youth through fear. They are forbidden to spank or hit them, use harsh or angry words, neglect or abuse them. They know you can’t make children do better by making them feel worse. Aum.§
10. THE TENTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 112, FORCED MARRIAGES
Śiva’s followers are forbidden to force any marriage arrangement that overrides astrological incompatibility, the couple’s feelings or the guru’s advice. To do so would bind them to a life of unsolvable problems. Aum.§
11. THE ELEVENTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 113, DOWRY
Weddings are spiritual events among Śiva’s followers. Ceremonies must never burden the families financially and, while the bride may bring wealth to the marriage, families are forbidden to demand or pay dowries. Aum.§
12. THE TWELFTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 117, DISCOURAGING SPIRITUALITY
Śiva’s married followers all encourage their spouses to ardently fulfill sādhana, religious service, meditation, yoga, ritual worship, festivals and pilgrimage. They never discourage such noble expressions of dharma. Aum.§
13. THE THIRTEENTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 119, ADULTERY
Śiva’s followers are forbidden by Sanātana Dharma to commit adultery or even steal the affections of another’s spouse. They treasure fidelity and know that transgressions are rewarded with pain, guilt and remorse. Aum.§
14. THE FOURTEENTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 251, CRITICIZING GURUS
Śiva’s devotees are forbidden by tradition to criticize their satguru, even behind his back, or to argue with him, contradict or correct him. They may, however, request clarification and offer additional information. Aum.§
15. THE FIFTEENTH FORBIDDEN APHORISM: SŪTRA 230, CASTE ABUSE
Śiva’s devotees are forbidden to perpetuate the restrictions and abuses of the Indian caste system. Instead, they base respect and status on attainment, knowledge, behavior and spiritual maturity. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
VI: The Yamas: Ten Ethical Restraints §
59 ¶The very first limb of rāja yoga, as codified by such great souls as Sage Patañjali and Ṛishi Tirumular, is yama, “restraint.” Here we list the ten restraints prescribed in the Tirumantiram, the Śāndilya and Varuha Upanishads and the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā. The yamas are the basic “do-nots.” They apply not only to yogīs, but to all devotees seeking to live a divine life. The sages, in their wisdom, gave these guidelines to harness the instinctive nature and keep open the doors of the higher chakras of love, compassion, intelligence, blessings and bliss.§
1. THE 1ST AND 2ND RESTRAINTS: SŪTRA 46, NONINJURY AND TRUTHFULNESS
All devotees of Śiva practice ahiṁsā, not harming others by thought, word or deed, even in their dreams. Adhering to satya, truthfulness, they do not lie, deceive, betray promises or keep secrets from loved ones. Aum.§
2. THE 3RD AND 4TH RESTRAINTS: SŪTRA 47, NONSTEALING AND SEXUAL PURITY
All devotees of Śiva uphold asteya, never stealing, coveting, cheating or entering into debt. They practice sexual purity, brahmacharya, controlling lust by remaining celibate when single and faithful in marriage. Aum.§
3. THE 5TH AND 6TH RESTRAINTS: SŪTRA 48, PATIENCE AND STEADFASTNESS
All devotees of Śiva exercise kshamā, restraining intolerance with people and impatience with circumstances. They foster dhṛiti, steadfastness, overcoming nonperseverance, fear, indecision and changeableness. Aum.§
4. THE 7TH AND 8TH RESTRAINTS: SŪTRA 49, COMPASSION & STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS
All devotees of Śiva practice dayā, compassion, conquering callous, cruel, insensitive feelings toward all beings. Maintaining ārjava, they are straightforward and honest, renouncing deception and wrongdoing. Aum.§
5. THE 9TH AND 10TH RESTRAINTS: SŪTRA 50, MODERATE APPETITE AND PURITY
All devotees of Śiva observe mitahāra, moderation in appetite, not eating too much or consuming meat, fish, shellfish, fowl or eggs. They uphold śaucha, avoiding impurity in body, mind and speech. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
VII: The Niyamas: Religious Practices§
60 ¶The second of rāja yoga’s eight limbs is niyama, literally, “to unleash” or “practice.” These are the basic religious practices, again, not only for yogīs, but for all devotees seeking to live as spiritual beings on this earth, abiding in the wholesome, abiding consciousness of our soul nature, close to our supreme God Śiva’s holy feet. The niyamas encourage the active expression of soul qualities such as contentment, giving, faith and worship. Ten are listed below, as expressed in five sūtras from Living with Śiva and outlined centuries ago in the Tirumantiram and the other eminent scriptures. §
1. THE 1ST AND 2ND PRACTICES: SŪTRA 51, REMORSE AND CONTENTMENT
All Śiva’s devotees, upholding the expression of hrī, remorse, are modest and show shame for misdeeds. They nurture santosha, seeking joy and serenity in life. Thus, theirs is a happy, sweet-tempered, fulfilling path. Aum.§
2. THE 3RD AND 4TH OBSERVANCES: SŪTRA 52, CHARITY AND FAITH
All Śiva’s devotees practice dāna, tithing and giving generously, creatively, without thought of reward. They sustain an unshakable faith, āstikya, believing in God, Gods, guru and the Vedic path to enlightenment. Aum.§
3. THE 5TH AND 6TH PRACTICES: SŪTRA 53, WORSHIP AND SCRIPTURAL STUDY
All Śiva’s devotees cultivate bhakti and family harmony in daily ritual and reflection, Iśvarapūjana. Upholding siddhānta śravaṇa, they hear the scriptures, study the teachings and listen to the wise of their lineage. Aum.§
Everywhere is the Holy Form. Everywhere is Śiva-Śakti. Everywhere is Chidambaram; Everywhere is Divine Dance.§
TIRUMANTIRAM 2722. TM§
4. THE 7TH AND 8TH PRACTICES: SŪTRA 54, COGNITION AND VOWS
All Śiva’s devotees acquire mati, divine cognition and an indomitable will and intellect, under their satguru’s guidance. They observe vratas, religious vows, rules and observances, and never waver in fulfilling them. Aum.§
5. THE 9TH AND 10TH PRACTICES: SŪTRA 55, INCANTATION AND SACRIFICE
All Śiva’s devotees do japa daily, counting recitations on rudrāksha beads. Embracing tapas through simple austerities, they sacrifice often, carry out penances as needed and perform sādhana regularly. Aum Namaḥ Śivāya.§
About Living With Śiva§
61 ¶As stated earlier, the Nandinātha Sūtras are from Living with Śiva, Hinduism’s Contemporary Culture, which was released in 1991 to restate for my followers—many of whom were from northern Sri Lanka but had migrated into many countries—the laws of culture, the protocol and modes of behavior that their earlier Śaiva generations knew and lived so well. In the seriousness of their search, my devotees were asking for advice and guidance as to how they should apply our ancient traditions in contemporary times. At that trying time, these 365 Nandinātha Sūtras came forth as a boon from the Gods. Now, four years later, these aphorisms are well established and known throughout the world, and I ask that all followers study them and adjust their lives accordingly. Indeed, these terse quatrains embody our Articles of Conduct and more. To adjust one’s life to their wisdom is the discipline toward being able to come close to and finally live with Śiva in all dimensions of being.§
The Angelic Guides of Our Sūtras§
62 ¶We must remember that each of the Nandinātha Sūtras is administered by a powerful deva in the Pretaloka, and these 365 devas gather regularly in conclave to administrate all 365. This inner band of devonic helpers is adamant that a new culture should be revived from the old, that wrongs be righted and peaceful tranquility prevail in all homes in the new society of all tomorrows. Not only fellowship members, but all who have been drawn to Living with Śiva, come under the gentle jurisdiction of the three hundred plus sixty-five sūtra devas. Some śishyas have reported feeling someone watching them when they were not sūtra perfect, as through a hidden video camera. Our answer is that it may be their own conscience, for the Śaivite Śāstras clearly explain that though the devas have the ability to oversee earthly activities through the psychic screen, they do not spy on us, nor watch our every move. They keep a detached overview, relying on us to make our own corrections, coming forward to help only when asked.§
VIII: The Sixty-Four Kalās, Or Cultural Arts§
63 ¶As stated in Dancing with Śiva, “Both girls and boys should be trained in the sacred Vedic arts and sciences, including the sixty-four crafts and social skills, called kalās. Boys benefit greatly when taught the profession of their father from a very young age. The mother is the role model for her daughters, whom she raises as the mothers of future families.” The sixty-four kalās are listed in chapter 24 of these Śaiva Dharma Śāstras. §
IX: Pañcha Mahāyajña: Five Sacrifices§
64 ¶The holy Vedas outline five social and religious duties or sacrifices, known as the pañcha mahāyajña, to God, Gods, ancestors, creatures and men. The Śatapata Brāhmaṇa (xi.5.6.1-3) explains: “There are five great sacrifices, namely, the great ritual services: the sacrifices to all beings, sacrifice to men, sacrifice to the ancestors, sacrifice to the Gods, sacrifice to Brahman.…Day by day a man offers sustenance to creatures; that is the sacrifice to beings. Day by day a man gives hospitality to guests, including a glass of water; that is the sacrifice to men. Day by day a man makes funerary offerings, including a glass of water; that is the sacrifice to the ancestors. Day by day a man makes offerings to the Gods, including wood for burning; that is the sacrifice to the Gods. And the sacrifice to Brahman? The sacrifice to Brahman consists of sacred study.” §
1. THE FIRST SACRIFICE: BRAHMAN YAJÑA, HOMAGE TO TRANSCENDENTAL ŚIVA, THE SELF
Brahma yajña is accomplished through studying and teaching the Vedas and other sacred teachings. This sacrifice is also referred to as Veda yajña and ṛishi yajña. §
2. THE SECOND SACRIFICE: DEVA YAJÑA, HOMAGE TO GODS
Deva yajña consists in recognizing the debt due to those who guide nature, feeding them by pouring ghee into the sacred homa fire and giving daily offerings through pūjā. For our fellowship, Brahma yajña and deva yajña are embodied in sūtra 22: “Worshipers of Śiva, during their daily sādhana vigil, conduct or attend pūjā, chant the Guru Mantra and 108 repetitions of their mantra, study scripture and perform haṭha yoga, concentration and meditation. Aum.” The homa fire injunction may be fulfilled by lighting an oil lamp in the shrine room daily. §
3. THE THIRD SACRIFICE: PITṚI YAJÑA, HOMAGE TO ANCESTORS
Pitṛi yajña is the offering of cakes (piṇḍa) and water to the family line and the progenitors of mankind. §
From Him, also, are born the Gods, in manifold ways, the celestials, men, cattle, birds, the in-breath and the out-breath, rice and barley, austerity, faith, truth, chastity and the law.§
ATHARVA VEDA, MUNDU 2.1.7. UPR, 681§
4. THE FOURTH SACRIFICE: BHŪTA YAJÑA, HOMAGE TO CREATURES AND ELEMENTALS
Bhūta yajña is the placing of food offerings, bali, on the ground, intended for animals, birds, insects and beings of the invisible worlds. §
5. THE FIFTH SACRIFICE: MANUSHYA YAJÑA, HOMAGE TO MEN
Manushya yajña is the feeding of guests and the poor, the homeless and the student. This sacrifice includes all acts of philanthropy, such as tithing and charity. My followers perform manushya yajña, as stated in sūtra 26, by saving for the less fortunate a handful of uncooked rice before preparing any meal, and by supporting our religion financially as described in sūtras 161–165. §
About the Following Chapter§
65 ¶In the next chapter, we visualize the many levels of association of the grand body of Śaiva Siddhānta Church.§
In vain the foolish man accumulates food. I tell you, truly, it will be his downfall! He gathers to himself neither friend nor comrade. Alone he eats; alone he sits in sin. The ploughshare cleaving the soil helps satisfy hunger. The traveler, using his legs, achieves his goal. The priest who speaks surpasses the one who is silent. The friend who gives is better than the miser.§
Ṛig Veda 10.117. 6–7. VE, 851§
Easy for all to offer in worship a green leaf to the Lord. Easy for all to give a mouthful to the cow. Easy for all to give a handful when sitting down to eat. Easy for all to speak pleasant words to others.§
Tirumantiram 252. TM, 201§
Nonviolence is all the offerings. Renunciation is the priestly honorarium. The final purification is death. Thus all the Divinities are established in this body§
Kṛishṇa Yajur Veda, PranaU 46–8. VE, 413–14§
If we have injured space, the earth or heaven, or if we have offended mother or father, from that may Agni, fire of the house, absolve us and guide us safely to the world of goodness. §
Atharva Veda 6.120.1. VE, 636§
May our minds move in accord. May our thinking be in harmony—common the purpose and common the desire. May our prayers and worship be alike, and may our devotional offerings be one and the same.§
Ṛig Veda 10.191.3. RvP, 4739§
Let us worship Him, the pure-formed One, the cloud which, emitting a rain of unthinkable joy, satiates the hearts and eyes of its followers, as if millions of rain clouds had poured down, the stay of the Great Silence, called by many names, described by many religions, the embodiment of ineffable degrees of spiritual happiness.§
Tayumanavar 1.2. PT, 14§
Yes, may the man who within his home pleases you all his days with songs and with offerings receive a rich reward, be loaded with your gifts! To him be happiness! This is our prayer.§
Ṛig Veda 4.4.7. VE, 845§
Aum. O terrestrial sphere! O sphere of space! O celestial sphere! Let us contemplate the splendor of the Solar Spirit, the Divine Creator. May He guide our minds.§
Ṛig Veda, Gāyatrī Mantra, 3.62.10. HP, 345§
For you is my offering, to you I will pray, to you who are worthy of homage and worship. You, O God, are a spring in the desert for the man who is thirsty for you, O Everliving.§
Ṛig Veda 10.4.1. VE, 302§
All that God does shall win our praise. We magnify His name with hymns, seeking boons from the Mighty.§
Ṛig Veda 1.42.10. VE, 805§
The rites of oblation, O lovers of truth, which the sages divined from the sacred verses, were variously expounded in the threefold Veda. Perform them with constant care. This is your path to the world of holy action. §
Atharva Veda, MundU 1.2.1. VE, 414§
Whatever the merit in any sacrifice, austerity, offering, pilgrimage or place, the merit of worship of the Śivaliṅga equals that merit multiplied by hundreds of thousands.§
Kāraṇa Āgama 9. MT, 66§
