Principles of Arya Samaj

The 10 Principles of the Arya Samaj was agreed on unanimously (including Swami Dayanand, the founder of the Arya Samaj) at the formation of the Lahore Arya Samaj on 24 June 1877. This replaced the original list of 28 rules and regulations drafted by Dayanand for the Rajkot Arya Samaj. This simplified the principles, while the bylaws were removed to a separate document.

Of the ten, the first three principles are seen as comprising the doctrinal core of the Arya Samaj, as they summarize the member’s beliefs in regard to God, the nature of Divinity and the authority of the Vedas. The remaining seven principles reflect the reformative ambitions of the Samaj in regard to both the individual and society at large. [ cite web |url=http://www.indianetzone.com/3/arya_samaj.htm |title=Arya Samaj |accessdate=2007-10-03 |format= |work= ]

The ten principles of the Arya Samaj

1. God is the original source of all true knowledge and all that is known by the
   physical sciences.
2. God is existent, intelligent and blissful. He is formless, almighty, just, merciful,unborn, endless, unchangeable, incomparable, the support and master of all. Heis omnipresent, immortal, fearless, eternal, holy and the maker of the universe.He alone is worthy of worship.
3. The Vedas are the scriptures of all true knowledge. It is the duty of all Aryas toread them, hear them being read and teach them to others.
4. One should always be ready to accept truth and give up untruth.
5. All acts should be performed in accordance with Dharma, after deliberating whatis right and wrong.
6. The primary object of Arya Samaj is to do good to the world, by promotingphysical, spiritual and social good of everyone
7. Our conduct towards all should be guided by love, righteousness and justice.
8. We should dispel ignorance and promote knowledge.
9. One should see one’s own greatest welfare as residing in the welfare of others.
10. One should regard oneself under restriction to follow the rules of societycalculated to promote the well being of all, while one should be free in mattersof individual welfare. [ cite web |url=http://www.aryasamaj.com/ten.htm |title=10 Principles of Arya Samaj |accessdate=2007-10-03 |format= |work= ]

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