📚 SADACHARA (सदाचार)
Eight Rules of Ethical Conduct
Sadachara (Sanskrit: सदाचार, IAST: Sadācāra) means "good conduct" or "virtuous behaviour." These eight principles form the ethical backbone of Dharmic life, practised across all Varnas and Ashramas.
Common across Yoga Sutras, Dharma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita (BG 13.7–11). Practised by all Ashramas.
1. AHIMSA (अहिंसा) ★ — Non-Violence
Non-harm to all beings in thought, word, and deed. Central to all Dharmic traditions. Elevated by Gandhi in 20th c.
Source: Yoga Sutra 2.30; Manu Smriti 5.44
2. SATYA (सत्य) ★ — Truth
Truthfulness in speech, thought, and action. "Satyam eva jayate" — Truth alone triumphs (Mundaka Upanishad).
Source: Mundaka Upanishad; Yoga Sutra 2.36
3. ASTEYA (अस्तेय) — Non-Stealing
Refraining from taking what does not belong to one. Includes intellectual property and time.
Source: Yoga Sutra 2.37
4. SHAUCHA (शौच) — Purity
Internal (mental/emotional) and external (bodily) purity. Prerequisite for ritual and meditation.
Source: Yoga Sutra 2.40-41
5. INDRIYA-NIGRAHA (इन्द्रिय-निग्रह) — Sense Control
Mastery over the five senses and their objects. Foundation for higher spiritual practice (Dhyana, Samadhi).
Source: BG 3.34; Yoga Sutra 2.54
6. DAYA (दया) ★ — Compassion
Empathy and compassion towards all living beings. "Daya" extends to humans, animals, and nature.
Source: Vishnu Purana; Bhagavad Gita 13.7
7. DANA (दान) ★ — Charity / Giving
Generous giving without expectation of return. One of the Pancha Mahabhutas of householder duty.
Source: BG 17.20-22; Manu Smriti 4.227
8. TAPAS (तपस्) — Austerity / Spiritual Discipline
Voluntary self-discipline, penance, and focused practice. Purifies the mind and generates spiritual merit (punya).
Source: Yoga Sutra 2.43; BG 17.14-17