Ten Commandments for Peace of Mind

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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 your 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 !!!