Ten Commandments for 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 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?