Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - On Practice

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31. These (the restraints), however, become a great vow when they

become universal, being unrestricted by any consideration of class,

place, time or concept of duty.

 

32. Cleanliness, contentment, austerity (mental and physical

discipline), Svadhyaya (study of scriptures and chanting of Mantras)

and devotion to God are the Niyamas (observances).

 

33. When these restraints and observances are inhibited by perverse

thoughts, the opposites should be thought of.

 

34. Actions arising out of perverse thoughts like injury etc. are

either performed by oneself, got done by another or approved;

performed either through anger, greed or delusion; and can be mild,

moderate or intense. That they are the causes of infinite misery and

unending ignorance is the contrary thought.

 

35. As the Yogin becomes established in non-injury, all beings coming

near him (the Yogin) cease to be hostile.

 

36. When truthfulness is achieved, the words (of the Yogin) acquire

the power of making them fruitful.

 

37. When non-stealing is established, all jewels present themselves

(to the Yogin).

 

38. When continence is established, Virya is acquired.

 

39. On attaining perfection in non-acceptance, knowledge of past and

future existences arises.

 

40. From the practice of purification, aversion towards one's own

body is developed and thus aversion extends to contact with other

bodies.

 

to be continued...