Read about the 10 yamas, which means "reining in" or "control", and the 10 niyamas, i.e., observances or practices as interpreted by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.

The 10 Yamas - Restraints or Proper Conduct

Ahimsa or Non-injury

Satya or Truthfulness

Asteya or Nonstealing

Brahmacharya or Sexual Purity

Kshama or Patience

Dhriti or Steadfastness

Daya or Compassion

Arjava or Honesty

Mitahara or Moderate Diet

Saucha or Purity

The 10 Niyamas - Observances or Practices

Hri or Modesty

Santosha or Contentment

Dana or Charity

Astikya or Faith

Ishvarapujana or Worship of the Lord

Siddhanta Sravana or Scriptural Listening

Mati or Cognition

Vrata or Sacred Vows

Japa or Incantation

Tapas or Austerity

These are the 20 ethical guidelines called yamas and niyamas, or restraints and observances. Sage Patanjali (c 200 BC), propounder of Raja Yoga, said, "These yamas are not limited by class, country, time, or situation. Hence they are called the universal great vows."

also read Hinduism: Four stages of life must know detail inside

Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, a yogic scholar, revealed the inner science of yama and niyama. He states that they are the means to control the 'vitarkas,' i.e., the evil or negative mental thoughts. When acted upon, these thoughts result in injury to others, untruthfulness, hoarding, discontent, indolence or selfishness. He said, "For each vitarka, you can create its opposite through yama and niyama, and make your life successful."

As Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami says, "The ten restraints and their corresponding practices are necessary to maintain bliss consciousness, as well as all of the good feelings toward oneself and others attainable in any incarnation. These restraints and practices build character. Character is the foundation for spiritual unfoldment." In Indian spiritual life, these Vedic restraints and observances are built into the character of children from a very early age to cultivate their refined, spiritual being while keeping the instinctive nature in check.

also read Ramadan: History, fasting, Charity and more about it