The seventh characteristic is to be able to discriminate between…

What is right and what is wrong. To choose between right and wrong is where ethics and morals come into play. Knowing the difference between right and wrong is not always crystal clear. It involves a combination of innate moral intuitions, societal norms, personal values, and ethical reasoning. For example, it is wrong to steal. But if your children are dying of starvation, is it right or wrong to steal so they don't die? Karma reminds us, above all else, not to harm but to always do what does the greatest good for the greatest number. Humans possess an inherent sense of empathy and fairness, which provides a framework for establishing what is right and what is wrong. However, these may vary somewhat among individuals and across different cultures. "Ahimsa," or nonviolence, is a fundamental principle of yoga. It means to refrain from doing any harm to oneself, others, and all living beings through physical actions, as well as speech and thoughts. However, even yoga acknowledges that the line between right and wrong is not always clear. For example, we are not to harm and always tell the truth. But this can sometimes put us in a dilemma. Once, on an early winter's day, a yogi was meditating in the woods. A beautiful deer ran by and jumped past him. Reflecting, the yogi thought how lovely and graceful the deer was. Soon after, a hunter came by and asked the yogi if he had seen the deer. If the yogi tells the hunter the truth about where the deer ran, the hunter will kill the deer, and harm will be done to it. The truth would be the wrong thing for the yogi to do. But winter is setting in, and if he does not tell the truth, the hunter and his family will starve. Not telling the truth will create greater harm to the hunter and his family. So this would be wrong. What should the yogi do? What is the right action, and what is the incorrect action? Here, we see the dilemma between telling the truth and practicing nonviolence. The line between right and wrong is not always clear. Karma reminds us always to do what is the greatest good for the greatest number. END: Yoga is a philosophical tradition that offers insight into the concept of right and wrong. Yoga emphasizes withdrawal and self-reflection, enabling us to be more self-aware of how we conduct ourselves in our thoughts, words, and actions. The line between right and wrong is not always clear. However, yoga encourages us to lead a life of nonviolence, integrity, and honesty. This path entails being truthful, respectful, and fair. Align yourself with your higher principles; always do what is the greatest good for the most significant number without harming yourself, others, or the world. Honesty is one of life's considerable challenges. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index fingers, the symbol of the ego. The ego always wants to be right because it is closely tied to our self-image, identity, and the need for validation. The ego craves control and approval, and it fears being wrong. It tends to favor information that affirms its beliefs and tends to ignore or dismiss anything that contradicts them. Control and approval can blur the line between right and wrong. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. When it comes to right and wrong, let your soul be your guide. Be aware, withdraw, and reflect on yourself. The soul will remind you that we are all connected as one and that we must be very care­ful with our interpretation of what is right and what is wrong. The soul will always seek to do what is right through the basic principle of do not harm, while guided by the principle always to do what is the greatest good for the greatest number. Let your conscience (soul) be your guide. Wisdom is in knowing the right path to take. Integrity is taking it. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For classes, books, consultations, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com