The Yamas are guidelines for how individuals interact with the external world, promoting peaceful and compassionate behavior. They can be considered the universal moral commandments within yoga philosophy.

Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is the practice of non-violence, which includes physical, mental, and emotional harm towards others and the self.

Satya (Truthfulness): Satya encourages being truthful in one's thought, speech, and action.

Asteya (Non-stealing): This Yama recommends not to steal, whether it be physically or emotionally, and to not desire others' properties.

Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Right use of energy): Traditionally it refers to celibacy or abstaining from sex. In a broader sense, it refers to proper control and use of one's energy, particularly sexual energy.

Aparigraha (Non-greed): This Yama discourages hoarding or collecting things beyond one's need, suggesting contentment with what one has.

Niyamas are personal practices that relate to our inner world, offering guidelines for right living. They can be considered the ethical rules or disciplines which cultivate personal growth.

Saucha (Purity): Saucha refers to cleanliness of body, mind, and speech. It's also about maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment.

Santosha (Contentment): Santosha encourages finding contentment with what one has and where one is in life.

Tapas (Discipline or austerity): Tapas refers to the discipline and austerity that is required to reach one's goals in life. It's about training your senses and maintaining consistency in your practices.

Svadhyaya (Self-study): Svadhyaya is the practice of studying oneself to understand our nature and habits. It's also about studying sacred and spiritual texts.

Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to higher power): This Niyama is about surrendering to the will of God, or to a higher power, and letting go of the ego. It's about recognizing that there's a divine force greater than us.

Brahmaviharas, the Four Sublime States that provide the framework for positive, compassionate, and empathetic living in Buddhism:

1. Metta (Loving-Kindness)

Metta is an unconditional, inclusive love, a love with wisdom. It's a love that's not dependent on whether one is near or far, a friend or enemy, a good person or a challenging one. It's the starting point for a heart boundlessly caring for all living beings.

2. Karuna (Compassion)

Karuna is the response to suffering – the wish for all sentient beings to be free from suffering. It is not just an empathetic understanding of the suffering of others, but also an active desire to alleviate it.

3. Mudita (Sympathetic Joy)

Mudita is taking joy in the good fortune of others. It's celebrating others' success, happiness, and well-being, freeing ourselves from envy and jealousy. It allows us to participate in the joy spread around us.

4. Upekkha (Equanimity)

Upekkha is a state of mind that is undisturbed by worldly gains or losses, praise or blame, joy or sorrow. It’s a tranquility and stillness that comes from a deep understanding and acceptance of the way things are.

By cultivating these Four Sublime States, we can foster a heart filled with love, a mind imbued with clarity, and a life lived in harmony with all sentient beings.