Glory of right conduct

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GLORY OF SADACHARA OR RIGHT CONDUCT

 

by Swami Sivananda

 

1. A man, who has attached ethical perfection by the continued

practice of right conduct or Yama and Niyama, has got a magnetic

personality. He can influence millions. Character gives a strong

personality to man. People respect a man who has good character.

Moral people command respect everywhere. He who is honest, sincere,

truthful, kind and liberal-hearted always commands respect and

influence at the people. Sattvic virtues make a man Divine. He who

speaks truth and practices Brahmacharya becomes a great and dynamic

personality. Even if he speaks a word there is power in it and people

are magnetized. Character building is of paramount importance if a

man wants to develop his personality. No development of a strong

personality is possible without celibacy. Personality can be

developed. But the practice of virtue is indispensable.

 

2. A man may die but his character remains. His thoughts remain. It

is the character that gives real force and power to man. Character is

power. They say knowledge is power but I say with all the emphasis at

my command that character is power. Without character the attainment

of knowledge is impossible. That man who has no character is

practically a dead man in this world. He is ignored and despised by

the community. If you want success in life, if you want to influence

others, if you want to progress well in the spiritual path, if you

wish to have God-realisation, you must possess an unblemished or

spotless character. The character of a man survives or outlives him.

Sri Sankara, Buddha, Jesus and other Rishis of yore are remembered

even now because they had wonderful character. Character is a mighty

soul-force. It is like a sweet flower that wafts its fragrance far

and wide. A man of noble traits and good character possesses a

tremendous personality. Personality is character only. A man may be a

skillful artist, a clever songster, an adorable poet or a great

scientist, but if he has no character he has no real position in the

society.

 

3. You must be polite, civil and courteous. You must treat others

with respect and consideration. Good manners and soft words have

brought many a difficult thing to pass. He who gives respect to

others gets respect. Humility brings respect by itself. Humility is a

virtue that subdues the hearts of others. A man of humility is a

powerful magnet or loadstone.

 

4. Note carefully how the Rishis had given instructions to their

students when they had finished their course of study: " Speak the

truth. Do your duty. Do not neglect the study of the Vedas. Do not

swerve from Truth. Do not swerve from duty. Do not neglect your

welfare. Do not neglect your prosperity. Do not neglect the learning

and teachings of Vedas. Do not neglect the duties towards God and

forefathers. May the Mother be thy God (Matri-devo bhava). May the

Father be thy God (Pitri-devo bhava). May the preceptor be thy God

(Acharya-devo bhava). May the guest be thy God (Atithi-devo bhava).

Do such actions as are blameless. Those that are good works to us,

they should be performed by thee, and none else. Those Brahmins that

are superior to us, they should be comforted by thee with seats, etc.

Give with faith. Do not give without faith. Give with joy, with

modesty, with fear, with kindness. "

 

5. Righteousness is eternal. Do not leave the path of righteousness

even if your life is in danger. Do not leave righteousness for the

sake of some material gain. A virtuous life and a clean conscience

give great deal of comfort to a man while living and at the time of

death also. A holy man with piety is far superior to the mighty

potentate. God is much pleased with a pious man. Lord Krishna

says: " Even if the most sinful worshipeth Me, with undivided heart,

he too must be accounted righteous, for he hath rightly resolved. "

There is a great hope even for a cutthroat, if he makes a strong

determination and takes up the spiritual path.

 

6. Dear friends! Do your duties in a satisfactory manner in

accordance with Sadachara. Apply yourself diligently to all kinds of

your daily duties. Consult the Sastras and Mahatmas whenever you are

in doubt. Build up your character. This will give you success in

life. Practise daily to remove old evil habits. Establish daily

virtuous healthy habits. Character will help you to attain the goal

of life. Character is your very being. Evolve. Expand. Grow. May the

character take you to the Atmic Bliss and Self-realisation.

 

7. Nectar's sons! Children of Immortality! Shake off all weaknesses.

Stand up. Gird up the loins. Have Sadachara satisfactorily in

accordance with your caste or stage in life. Evolve quickly in

spiritual path. Eternal Bliss, Supreme Peace, Infinite Knowledge can

be had only in God (Atman). Practice of Sadachara will surely lead

you to the attainment of God-consciousness. There is no happiness in

finite objects. Infinite alone is Bliss. Understand the Truth through

the practice of Sadachara. This world is unreal. It is like a mirage.

Senses and mind are deceiving you at every moment. Wake up. Open your

eyes. Learn to discriminate. Do not trust your Indriyas. They are

your enemies. It is very difficult to get a human birth. Life is

short. Time is fleeting. Walk in the path of Sadachara. Those who

cling to unreal things of this world are verily committing suicide.

Struggle hard to practice Sadachara.

 

Keep up the ideal always before your eyes. Attempt to realise the

ideal. Stick to Sadachara with leech-like tenacity. Practise it and

realise Sat-chit-ananda state right now in this very second.

 

(Source: http://sivanandaonline.org/html/)