Rules of Conduct

 You are here for a unique and noble purpose, not just to eat, sleep and talk. Remember this always, and don’t stop smiling. To grow and to be strong, we need to follow some rules. They are called yama and niyama. The first is ahimsa, non-violence, for it unites you with entire creation. Practice of yoga, of realising that everything is here and everything is part of you is ahimsa. The next is astheya, not missing what you don’t have. Totally accepting what is and not regretting, is astheya. Then comes brahmacharya, moving beyond small identifications. Brahma means big, moving into bigger things. The fourth is aparigraha, not taking what people have to give you. Aparigraha is not taking anything from anybody, including insults. Then there are five rules for your inner development. The first one is shaucha, cleanliness, keeping yourself clean and wearing clean clothes. More important is to be clean from inside. The next rule is santosha, contentment. Be happy. If you don’t attempt being happy, nothing in this world can make you happy. The third is tapa, forbearance, putting up willingly with something that is uncomfortable. If you were asked to sit continuously for 10 hours, you would never do it. But travelling in an aircraft over long distances, you have no choice but to sit, bound by a belt. Undertake swadhyaya, self-study, observe your mind. When you observe, all the feelings, good or bad, will change. The last rule is ishwara pranidhaana, love of the Divine. Surrender to the Divine when you feel you are totally helpless.

Source: Economic Times, 15/11/2018