Dharma
Values for Life
At OM Hindu Center, Dharma is more than something we study. It is a way of living.
We create opportunities for children, families, and adults to explore the timeless wisdom of Sanātana Dharma and understand how its teachings can guide us in everyday life — at home, at school, at work, in our relationships, and in our community.
An important part of this journey is learning the Yamas and Niyamas — practical principles that help us understand both how we treat others and how we develop ourselves.
The Yamas
How We Live With Others
The Yamas encourage us to develop character through the choices we make every day.
Ahiṃsā
Non-Harming
Choose kindness in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Satya
Truthfulness
Speak honestly, keep our promises, and build trust.
Asteya
Non-Stealing
Respect what belongs to others and do not take what is not ours.
Brahmacharya
Self-Control
Practice self-discipline and make thoughtful choices about our actions, attention, and senses.
Kṣamā
Forgiveness
Practice patience, forgive others, and learn to let go of anger and resentment.
Dhṛti
Steadfastness
Develop courage and determination to continue doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
Dayā
Compassion
Care about the well-being of others and respond with empathy and kindness.
Ārjava
Sincerity
Be genuine and straightforward in our words, intentions, and actions.
Mitāhāra
Moderation
Practice balance in what we eat, consume, and desire.
Śaucha
Purity
Cultivate cleanliness and purity in our body, surroundings, thoughts, and intentions.
The Niyamas
How We Grow Within
The Niyamas encourage habits that strengthen our inner and spiritual lives.
Hrī
Humility & Reflection
Recognize our mistakes, make amends when possible, learn from them, and try to do better.
Santoṣa
Contentment
Practice gratitude and learn to appreciate what we have rather than always seeking more.
Dāna
Generosity
Give our time, talents, resources, and Seva without expecting recognition or reward.
Āstikya
Faith
Develop faith in the Divine and trust in the wisdom of Dharma.
Pūjana
Worship
Make prayer, worship, and meditation meaningful parts of our lives.
Śravaṇa
Learning from Sacred Teachings
Study and listen to Hindu scriptures, stories, teachers, and traditions that deepen our understanding of Dharma.
Mati
Understanding & Discernment
Learn to think carefully and distinguish between choices that strengthen our values and those that lead us away from them.
Vrata
Sacred Commitments
Make meaningful commitments and practice keeping them with sincerity and discipline.
Japa
Sacred Chanting
Use mantras, prayers, and the names of the Divine to develop devotion, concentration, and inner peace.
Tapas
Spiritual Discipline
Develop discipline through regular spiritual practice (sādhana) and learn to persevere with patience and dedication.
Together
Learning Dharma Together
These principles give families a shared language for conversations that matter:
Am I being kind?
Am I telling the truth?
Am I showing compassion?
Can I forgive?
Am I grateful for what I have?
Am I generous with others?
Am I keeping my commitments?
Am I making time for prayer, reflection, and learning?
Alongside the Yamas and Niyamas, programs at OM Hindu Center may explore the Bhagavad Gītā, Rāmāyaṇa, and other Hindu scriptures, stories, philosophies, and traditions. Through age-appropriate learning, discussion, reflection, and practice, we seek to connect these teachings to the real choices and challenges children and families encounter today.
Our purpose is not simply to teach children about Hinduism, but to help them understand how Hindu values can become a meaningful part of who they are and how they live.
We want each generation to inherit more than traditions to observe. We want them to develop values they understand, wisdom they can draw upon, and a Hindu identity they can carry forward with confidence.
Learn Dharma. Live Dharma. Carry it forward.