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major vows which are concomitant to charitra (conduct). Each vow is to be accompanied by bhavana (appropriate thought-process and behaviour). Thus, the five vows along with the five bhavanas are to be observed in order to achieve Moksa.
Explanation : These five major vows are to be observed to accomplish charitra yoga-the cause of Moksa. Then the question arises what is the purpose of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahar, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi which are described later ?
These doubts can be resolved by saying that these great vows have two aspects, theoritical and practical. The practical aspect of these vows is the first among the eight aspects of yoga. The first aspect has these five major vows :
(1) To abstain from perpetrating violence on any
life (Jiva); (2) To abstain from telling a lie; (3) To abstain from stealing; (4) To abstain from having sexual relationship
with anyone; (5) Non-possession.
If the observence of these above-mentioned five vows alone constitutes charitra yoga, then the other seven aspects of yoga, i.e., Niyama, Asana etc., should be considered as included in these vows at the
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Yoga Shashtra
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