Ten Commandments of Peace of Mind

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 al l 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
sever al years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose
business is only one year old. There are sever al 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 y our 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 Everyday
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 addition al loads
that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding
your extern al 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 c al ms 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 h al f an hour everyday, your mind will tend to
become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and h al f-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 al ways earn you
more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement.
Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in he al thy 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 al l
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?