| Ahimsa: The practice of non-violence cannot be | | | | not lie or give false testimony." This same rule is found |
| achieved just by thinking about it. It starts from within | | | | in the Old Testament of the Bible, in Jewish Scriptures, |
| and requires us to be aware of what we say, think, | | | | and in the Holy Quran. |
| write, and our actions. If you can diffuse an argument | | | | In ancient times, and today, bearing false witness |
| between two people, and take no action, your | | | | against a neighbor could cause serious injustice, which |
| non-action could cause violence. | | | | could result in capital punishment. This act would |
| We have to be prepared, each day, from within our | | | | magnify the actual crime. |
| being, by meditating and praying. We must also be | | | | If you look at the root words in Sanskrit, Sat means |
| prepared for the person who is having an "off day." | | | | "true or real," while Ya means "ness." Another way to |
| This could be a driver exhibiting road rage, a rude | | | | look at Satyam is to be real. For some people, this is |
| co-worker, a person who has poor manners, or | | | | easy; but for some other people, their ego does not |
| something similar. | | | | allow them to be real. |
| Inciting violence also violates ahimsa. Therefore, | | | | Look within and avoid deceiving others, but do not |
| withhold your negative comments about others, even if | | | | intentionally hurt others with the truth. Always be |
| you feel they are justified. Keep your integrity intact, | | | | compassionate; especially, if the truth is going to hurt |
| and you will establish a reputation of good character. | | | | someone. Therefore, the truth is like a sword with two |
| Satyam or Satya: This is the second Yama of | | | | blades. Always be careful and use your best |
| truthfulness. A simple definition would be, "Thou shall | | | | judgment. |