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?