Ten commandments

The ten commandments of Hinduism are given in Manusmriti 6.92.

This verse, like others in the Manusmriti, is deeply philosophical. At face value, it presents ten commandments that we strive towards in life.

At a deeper philosophical level, these commandments allow us to develop a deeper consciousness that leads us to God-realisation. For example, whereas dhritih is patience, it is innate patience and perseverance that allows consistent and constant meditation. Damah refers to self-control; it also relates to control of the mind, which is necessary for spiritual evolution.

The approach toward absorbing this verse is to contemplate its impact on our lives and relationships as well as on our spiritual life and spiritual progress.

धृति: क्षमा दमोऽस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रह:
धीर्विद्या सत्यमक्रोधो दशकं धर्मलक्षणम्

Dhritih kshamaa damosteyam
shaucham-indriya-nigraha.
Dheer-vidyaa satyam-akrodho
dashakam dharma-lakshanam

Patience, forgiveness, control of mind, control of senses, non-stealing, cleanliness, intellectual evolution (wisdom), acquisition of knowledge, truthfulness, absence of anger – these are the ten signs of Dharma.

ValuesDharmaOpposite ValueAdharma
धृति
dhriti
Patience, Confidence, Respect, firmnessअधृति
Adhriti
impatience, irritable
क्षमा kshamaaForgiving, kind, compassionateअक्षमा
akshamaa
fight, destruction, irritability
दम
dama
Calmness, self-control, awareness, control of the mindअदम्
adamya
Restlessness, lack of control
अस्ते
asteya
Contentment, non-stealing, non-coveting्ते
steya
Mistrust, stealing, corruption
शौ
shaucha
Respectful, pure in thoughts and actions, cleanliness, purityअशौ
ashaucha
disturbed, hurtful, vengeful, unclean, impure
इन्द्रियनिग्रह
indriya-nigraha
control senses, discipline, subduing
the passion
अनिग्रह
anigraha
covetous, no self-control, unrestrained
धी
dhee
intellect, wit, assertiveness, power of the mind, intellectual faculty, wisdomअधी
adhee
lack of assertiveness, abrasive, ignorance
विद्या
vidyaa
good choices, knowledgeअविद्
avidya
lack of knowledge, poor decision-making, unwise, spiritual ignorance
सत्य
satya
Truth, confidence, peace, virtuousअसत्
asatya
Superficial, insecure, lie, conniving, untruth, falsehood
अक्रोध
akrodha
At peace, respectful, lack of angerक्रोध
krodha
intolerant, vindictive, angry



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