- Do not steal. Never take or borrow anything without prior consent from the owner.
- Do not commit adultery.
A tyagi sadhu -one who has taken solemn vows to devote his life to God should endeavour to neglect and avoid worldly pleasures and desires. He should always act in a selfless manner (nishkam-suddhi) and his behaviour should at all times be in accordance with the religious and moral code of conduct (as per dharma-mrut). If the sadhu fails to observe these rules and errs then he should repent by confessing to his guru and seek the guru’s forgiveness and guidance.
– Married ladies should always remain loyal, sincere and faithful to their husbands. Respectively married men should uphold reciprocal conduct.
– Those ekantik bhakta – divine devotees who think, act or speak in anyway which would not please the Lord – or those who fail to remain engrossed in the Lord by constantly pondering, meditating and reminiscing on the murti of the Lord, are being unfaithful to the Lord. This kind of behaviour only serves to highlight their lack of total love for the Lord.
– We are all ‘rays of light’ of the divine Lord (prakash of the Gunatit Satpurush) – it would not suit us to criticise, gossip, talk maliciously or participate in negative conversations which lead us away from the fundamental principles of our religion. It is also immoral for us to remain engrossed in negative thoughts – it is another way in which we would be unfaithful to the Lord. This ultimately leads to depression, misery and unhappiness.
- Do not gamble or partake in risky monetary speculation. One should not indulge in such practices even on the pretext that one would use any such gains for devotional service to the Lord.
- One should never accuse anyone or unfairly blame anyone simply to protect oneself or to sustain one’s ego. Abusive language – swearing should never be practised.
- Never accept any bribes. One should consult an esteemed knowledgeable person and seek guidance on the subject of handling social dealings, but should not act on one’s own intuition or on impulse.
- All educationally, politically and spiritually esteemed members of society should be afforded appropriate honour and respect. Never denigrate or insult them.
- Devotees should ensure that their attire projects dignity. They should always dress in an appropriate and respectable manner.
- Never get involved in arguments or debates with other devotees over religion, or moral or ethical codes of conduct. Never criticise anyone.
- Always maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding a devotee. Do not betray their trust in you by making public any confidential information. Never inform on anyone or gossip about them. Do not judge or criticise others, or indeed, betray anyone’s trust.
- Always tell the truth. Never go back on your word. Always fulfil the promises you make. Form a habit of politely declining if you feel unable to honour a promise – do not feel under any obligation to make such promises in the first place.