Disciplines and Vows (Yamas and Vratas): How the Mystical Yields to the Ethical in Yoga and Jainism

Conversion followed with a life-altering resolve to abide by high ethical standards constitutes a core piece of the process of religious experience. In this paper, I will first explore the contours of these two ideas as articulated a century ago by William James. I will then look at two traditions from India that offer an Asian counterpart to this process of self-discovery: Yoga and Jainism. I will include with some reflections on my own training on the spiritual path within these traditions.