Corruption can be defined as a multidimensional social and ethical problem which impacts upon political, judicial, education, health and other crucial spheres of life. Although the measures taken in order to control the problem of corruption are mostly legal, administrative and institutional, its psychological and ethical aspects need to be analyzed. In this paper, corruption is considered from the perspective of Yoga philosophy, in terms of such concepts as citta-vṛtti, kleśas, Yama and Niyama. The way in which mental disturbance, attachment, greed and lack of self-discipline might lead to unethical behavior will be studied. Further, the principles of ethics provided by Patañjali and their applicability to formation of individual moral responsibility will be examined. The study is based on qualitative, conceptual and philosophical approach and includes conceptual and critical analysis. It is argued that, even though the measures used in controlling the phenomenon of corruption are institutional, ethical transformation of individuals provides another important angle. The principles of Yoga philosophy, especially Ahiṃsā, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacarya, Aparigraha and the five Niyamas allow restraining, being truthful, contented, disciplined and responsible. Therefore, Yoga can be treated as philosophy in action which deals with the ethical fundamentals of human behavior.
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