I have been asked to speak on the ways and means to attain peace of mind,
the most sought after objective/commodity of the human race since time
immemorial. In the modern age, especially in North America, it would appear
that most of us are in a state of perpetual restlessness despite enjoying
good health care and basic economic security. Analyzing the causes of this
restlessness has led me to identify ten possible solutions to attain peace
of mind. I have called them "Ten commandments", because they need to be
followed religiously if we are sincere to achieve perfect peace of mind.
Here they are with brief explanations:
1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked. Most of us create our
own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because
somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic
is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be
criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking
denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of
God. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings
can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they
do because God within them prompts them that way. There is God to look
after everything. Why are you bothered? Mind your own business and you will
keep your peace.
2. Forgive And Forget. This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We
often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us
or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep,
development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or
injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by
constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Believe in the justice
of God and the doctrine of Karma. Let Him judge the act of the one who
insulted you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, Forget,
and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.
3. Do Not Crave For Recognition. This world is full of selfish people. They
seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today
because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will
forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you
wish to kill yourself in striving for their recognition? Their recognition
is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely and
leave the rest to God.
4. Do Not Be Jealous. We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our
peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the
office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a
business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor
whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these
in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is
shaped by his or her previous Karma, which has now become his destiny. If
you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are
not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by
blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it
will only take away your peace of mind.
5. Change Yourself According To The Environment. If you try to change the
environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change
yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment,
which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem
congenial and harmonious.
6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured. This is the best way to turn a disadvantage
into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments,
irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot
control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We
must learn to endure them cheerfully thinking, "God wills it so, so be it."
God's plan is beyond our comprehension. Believe in it and you will gain in
terms of patience, inner strength and will power.
7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew. This maxim needs to be
remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we
are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your
limitations. Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You
cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce
your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and
meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you
restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.
8. Meditate Regularly. Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing
thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it
yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind
will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and
half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You
would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily mediation. You
may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary,
this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better
results in less time.
9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant. An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All
evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something
positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that
holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of
mind. Your hobby, like social work or temple work, may not always earn you
more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even
when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or
mental chanting of God's name.
10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret. Do not waste time in protracted
wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be
wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because
you can never anticipate all future happenings. Always remember, God has
His own plan, too for you. Value you time and do the things that need to be
done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from
your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will
lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past.
DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Take
it as the Will of God. You do not have the power to alter the course of
God's Will. Why cry over spilt milk? May God help you remain at peace with
yourself and the world around you!
Ten Commandements
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Guest
Ten Commandments
Very interesting reading! When you say "I have been asked........" do you mean yourself, or are you quoting someone who has written this presentation? Just curious! Thank you.