“The five cardinal vows are: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession. The five casual vows are: bodily purity, contentment, the study of the scriptures, austerity, and meditation of God.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Gandhi's ashram observances as listed in his Gita writings ('The Bhagavad Gita According to Gandhi'); the five cardinal and five casual vows.
About this quote
Turning broad ideals into a named list of commitments makes them practicable. Instead of vaguely intending to live well, you pin yourself to specific disciplines — honesty, restraint, simplicity, study, reflection — that can be checked daily. Naming a commitment is what makes it something you can actually keep.
When to use it
- Writing down concrete house rules instead of hoping the family just gets along.
- Setting explicit limits on spending, screen time, and junk food to stay on course.
- A team agreeing on a short list of working principles everyone can point back to.