DO NOT HARM
This means seeking to do good for others; wishing them well; and avoiding causing harm through thoughts, words, and actions. Swami Sivananda said, “Wish good to all beings; this purifies the mind.”
The practice of positive thinking goes deeper than using affirmations. The path of raja yoga encourages us to uplift our minds through the practice of positive attitudes toward both ourselves and others.
To develop sattva (harmony), we need to work on our character. For this, we must follow the principle of dharma, living the right way. We need to realize that we are not separate from others, but part of a whole, and whatever we do to others, we do to ourselves. There are ten ethical practices that we can try to follow.
Choose one of the practices described here and work with it systematically for 1 month. For example, you could work on “Do not harm” and do the following:
• Count how many times each day you indulged in violence (whether harsh words, anger, or harmful thoughts).
• Reflect on what behavior you could replace it with.
• Think of a person who exemplifies nonviolence.
• Make the decision for yourself: I choose to always be peaceful.
• Reflect on the benefits of peaceful behavior.
DO NOT HARM
This means seeking to do good for others; wishing them well; and avoiding causing harm through thoughts, words, and actions. Swami Sivananda said, “Wish good to all beings; this purifies the mind.”
BE TRUTHFUL
Being truthful to ourselves is essential, as without this we are incapable of deep introspection. Being truthful to others is also essential, since respecting our values is the foundation of a healthy mind.
DON’T STEAL
Taking what belongs to others makes the mind tamasic (resistant). This includes intellectual property and material possessions, as well as being careful not to take too much from the world without giving back.
BE SEXUALLY MODERATE
Ayurveda and yoga teach moderation in sexuality, so that sexual energy can build up and be transformed into mental strength. Full practice (the diversion of all sexual energy) is only possible with systematic yoga practice.
LIVE MODESTLY
Greed for material wealth prevents us from connecting to the Self, while the clutter created by having many possessions makes it harder to calm the mind. Gratefully accept what you have, and don’t take more than you need.
MAINTAIN CLEANLINESS
A clean body is achieved through asanas, diet (ideally vegetarian), and daily hygiene. Keeping the mind clean involves avoiding tamasic impressions, and not indulging in gossip, criticism, or negative thinking.
BE CONTENTED
Contentment is being grateful for what life has given us, and showing a willingness to work with it. It requires an attitude of patience, knowing that change is slow and the fruits of practice take a long time to show.
BE DISCIPLINED
To reach full mental health in the form of lasting peace and joy is a worthy goal, and so requires many sacrifices. This can only be done with the self-discipline to stay focused on this goal and face the challenges of life.
STRIVE FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT
The mind can be nurtured by reading spiritual books, listening to uplifting discourse, and repeating mantras. It is not about accumulating knowledge, but gaining a greater understanding of oneself.
SURRENDER TO A HIGHER POWER
Willpower alone is not enough to break the pattern of fear and ignorance—we must accept help by opening ourselves up to a higher influence we can trust. This may be a form of the divine or a spiritual teacher.
“Think deeply, decide correctly, act carefully, speak truthfully, behave properly. You will be peaceful and successful.”