Introduction: These are essential guidelines for anyone walking a spiritual path. They help in inner purification, stability, and direct progress. Even if a person does not yet have a Guru, following these principles prepares the mind to meet one.
* Do not hold on to past memories. * Do not worry about the future. * Spend today in the best possible way.
* Live happily in whatever situation God gives. * Do not ask God for pleasures; they increase worldly desire. * Do not allow unnecessary thoughts or mental fantasies—they only bring disappointment.
* Keep a detached attitude toward worldly matters. * Anger and hatred must be removed—only then does the mind become pure. * Be humble with everyone, but avoid flattering or blindly following people. * Have compassion for all living beings.
* Destiny (prarabdha) ends only by living through it. * Face difficulties bravely. * Do hard tasks first; easy tasks become even easier. * Slowly reduce attachment to worldly life.
* Never think “I am a great knower.” * True spiritual states contain neither knowledge nor ignorance. * Give up addictions—clear senses make self-inquiry possible. * Eat simple, pure (sattvic) food; as the food, so the mind.
* Whatever comes from divine will—comfort or suffering—cannot be avoided. * Use money, property, and wealth responsibly; remember that everything must one day be left behind.
* Speak less—the less you speak, the stronger and quieter your mind becomes. * Silence is a powerful spiritual practice. * Spend time in solitude to deepen awareness.
* Do not desire another person’s wealth or spouse. * Understand that all gods are manifestations of the same truth—respect all paths. * Feel joy in other people’s happiness. * Do not fear anyone; every being is a form of the Divine unless you become a beggar of desires.
* Help others without expecting rewards. * Blessings from many people become a great spiritual strength. * Do not let ego enter charity—everything belongs to God.
* Never give false promises. * Never lie—it takes you away from spiritual truth. * Do not enjoy finding faults in others.
* Worship done with a cheerful and healthy mind is most effective. * Dry, forced worship lacks feeling and produces little transformation. * Do not become impressed by miracles.
* Respect your mother, father, and Guru—they are sacred. * Turn inward; inner silence brings peace.
* Avoid excessive involvement in society. * Stay away from entertainment that disturbs the mind—fights, vulgar shows, unwholesome movies.
* Simply chanting “Rama, Rama” is good,
but living like Rama in daily life is far greater.
* Do not lose courage when difficulties arise. * Divine grace always opens a path. * Storms pass like clouds.
* Just as a water pot must be washed daily, spiritual practice must also be done daily. * Even if progress is not visible, continue regularly—like a farmer who ploughs even before rain comes.
* We are not immortal. * Spend your life in reflection, not in arguments. * Read only the writings of realised saints; mere scholarship does not lead to truth.
* Avoid atheists and excessively materialistic people—their desires weaken spiritual focus. * Life is a divine drama; perform your role well and then withdraw peacefully.
* Death is unavoidable—why fear it? * Avoid bad people; avoid arguments. * Be gentle but firm when needed. * Love and spiritual strength can even turn enemies into friends.
* Maintain only necessary relations; too much involvement disturbs the mind. * Increase solitude, silence, and inner focus. * Do not curse your destiny—keep making efforts with a cheerful mind.
Final Insight: We came into this world joyfully; we should leave it joyfully. Between birth and death, fill your life with effort, cheerfulness, and self-understanding.
Stay detached, observe the mind, rise beyond complaints, and continue the journey of inner growth.