As much as we all desire to have a peaceful life, our actions are what keep us away from it. Success has a different face for all of us. Some of us think a good life means a lot of money, an expensive car and a fancy lifestyle. But the truth is, the ideal life is one in which you have peace of mind, people to come back home to, and maybe a dog.
Today, we are so lost in the glitz and glamour of city life that we don’t get the time to notice what’s happening around us. Buddha once said, “the cause of human suffering is due to human desires,” and it perfectly makes sense. We are running behind in luxuries and forgetting our basic needs like genuine smiles and kindness.
Dealing with these aspects of life, Miyamoto Mushashi’s 21 rules of life is a book that speaks about the true joy of living and how to ace it. This book was written 2 weeks before his death. The following are the 21 points he mentioned in his books:
1) Accept everything just the way it is
Learn to take things in their raw form. Don’t dilute them according to your preference just because you can’t digest the truth. Acceptance is the first step toward peace.
2) Do not seek pleasure for its own sake
Enjoy the moment. It might never return in the same way again. The little things? They aren’t tiny, after all.
3) Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling
Understand that you deserve to be loved and loved with all intensity. Don’t settle down for half-expressed emotions.
4) Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world
It’s good to have immense love for yourself but know where and when you have to draw a line. A happy person is someone who not only lifts himself up but also others around him.
5) Be detached from any kind of desire your whole life long
There is no end to desires. Every time you get what you want, you want something else. So stop running. Start living.
6) Do not regret what you have done
Learn but never regret it because, at one time, it was exactly what you wanted.
7) Never be jealous
Appreciate what you have. That’s how you’ll never be jealous of people around you. Being grateful is a must.
8) Never let yourself be saddened by a separation
It is sad to let go of someone you so desperately wanted to keep. But remember that people are chapters and sometimes you need to let go to finish the book.
9) Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others
Until the criticism is constructive, stop complaining. Focus on finding solutions more than focusing on the problems.
10) Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love
Love should be an addition to your life. Don’t let your entire life revolve around it.
11) In all things have no preferences
It’s ok to be selective just don’t go overboard with it. Appreciate things as they are.
12) Be indifferent to where you live
Home is where you are. More than four walls, home is in your mind. Don’t let places describe home.
13) Do not pursue the taste of good food
You are what you eat, so try to incorporate those foods in your diet that are good for your body and not only for your Instagram and eyes.
14) Do not hold onto possessions you no longer need
Change is the only constant in life. If you don’t leave things where they belong, you will be stuck in one place.
15) Do not act following customary beliefs
Humans are blessed with brains so that they can question and understand. Do not blindly follow everything that you’ve been told.
16) Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful
Draw a line to things, rather than putting your hands on everything, master one art form.
17) Do not fear death
Life and death are two sides of the same coin. Do not fear death and waste your life worrying about its arrival. It will come when it has to.
18) Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age
You will need money in your old age, but most importantly, you’ll need things that money can’t buy, like love. Collect that.
19) Respect Buddha and the Gods without counting on their help
Respect all Gods but do not think they will help you under all circumstances. Learn to take authority over your actions.
20) You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour
Your honor is your greatest possession. Do not give it under any condition.
21) Never stray from the way
Never stop growing, and remember that there is no end to learning.
Reference: HackSpirit
