" yamaha " is one of the magnificent names in the * Vishnu Sahasranama * (The Thousand Names of Vishnu). Adi Shankara, in his commentary, interpreted "Yama" as " He who guides from within "
Alternatively, one may conceive of Him as " He who resides within and provides guidance ". Residing in close proximity to the spine within the physical body, Lord Yama continuously records the karmic consequences of the soul (*Jiva*). This constitutes His subtle body.
"Yama" also signifies "He who restrains" — the One who ensures that all things remain in their proper order.
" yah prithivIm antarO yamayati......" — *Brihadaranyaka Upanishad*. This verse declares that He who resides within the Earth and restrains the Earth; who resides within Fire and restrains Fire; and who resides within the Wind and restrains the Wind—He is Yama.
He establishes rules; should they be defied, He exercises His power of restraint.
Yama is *Samavarti*—the Impartial Judge. He is the very embodiment of serenity; to those who perform virtuous deeds, He appears in this benevolent form. Yama reveals Himself to the soul just prior to the moment of death. However, to sinners, He appears in a terrifying guise—with blazing red eyes, protruding fangs, a long nose, and wielding a noose (*Pasha*). The sinner is struck with abject terror.
The * kaThOpanishad * presents the profound dialogue between Yama and Nachiketa. This Upanishad offers a magnificent exposition on the true nature of the Soul (*Atman*).
Yama is one of the divine entities who constantly observe and witness our karmic actions.
The *Garuda Purana* affirms this truth, stating: "The Sun (*Aditya*), the Moon (*Chandra*), the Wind (*Anila*), Fire (*Anala*), the Earth (*Bhumi*), Water (*Apa*), the Heart (*Hridaya*), Yama, Day (*Ahas*), Night (*Ratri*), the two Twilights (*Sandhyas*), and *Dharma*—these are the witnesses who observe and know the conduct of every human being." All these entities serve as witnesses, constantly observing the actions of living beings.
These witnesses report matters exactly as they are; they take note of every deed—whether performed knowingly or unknowingly. One can safeguard oneself by cultivating a favorable relationship with them.
How?
Through " vrataiScha dAnaiScha satyam......"—that is, through the observance of vows and acts of charity. If these practices are performed consistently, all these witnesses become pleased. Consequently, they will bear favorable testimony.
Among these witnesses resides the Heart—the Inner Self. We are, in fact, fully aware of our own actions; yet, the veil of *Maya* (illusion) often obscures this awareness.
Gods will not come at times, they stay with us always, observe our actions and guide us.
Best example is Sun. He, in the form of his rays, always touches us.
Subhamastu