INDIAN VALUES

The Five Basic Human Values:

Sathya (Truth), Dharma (right action) , Santhi (Peace), Prema(Love) and Ahimsa (Nonviolence) are nothing but the manifestations of these five life breaths (praana, apaana, vyaana,
udaana and samaana).
Why these values are important?
A SOCIETY without values will cease to be human. The more human values are
cherished; the better will be the growth of society, the nation and the world. We cannot rest
content with an educational system which is confined to academic achievement. It has to
promote simultaneously human virtues. The main problem of our education is how to adapt the
spiritual and cultural traditions we have inherited from the past to the needs of daily life today.
And moreover for health reasons,
The scriptures say that envy, greed, lust and anger are all vyaadhi kaaranam (sources of
disease). Those afflicted with these qualities may consume the healthiest food, but it will not give
them health. They will suffer from various digestive and nervous complaints. Therefore, those
aspiring to be liberated must cut asunder these evil tendencies with the sharp sword of jnaana
(spiritual wisdom).
Human Values are not a separate entity from each other. They are interconnected .

When truth is put into practice, it becomes righteousness. Truth is expressed in words,
while righteousness is expressed in action. On this basis, the Vedas taught, Sathyam Vada,
Dharmam Chara (speakTruth, practise righteousness). Hence righteousness is based on truth.
Without truth, there is no righteousness. That is why the Vedas say, Sathyaannasthi Paro
Dharmaha (there is no dharma higher than adherence to Truth). Without the foundation of truth,
the mansion of righteousness cannot be built. Sathyaacharana (practice of truth) is true dharma.
This dharma is uniform for all human beings. Peace is the reflection of dharma. Man prays for
peace and performs various spiritual practices aspiring for peace. But so long as he has desires,
he can never attain peace, though he may undertake sacred rituals like yagnas and yagas. Mind is
the basis for desires. So, one has to control the mind in order to attain peace. When the mind is
controlled, it remains silent. Such a state of thoughtlessness is true peace.
The fourth human value is love. It has originated from the principle of atma. Love is the
manifestation of Truth. It is The nine qualities of Love are it is pure, steady, effulgent,
attributeless, formless, ancient, eternal, immortal and nectarous.. Love hates none, unites all.
Ekatma Darshanam Prema (experience of non-dualism is love).
Advaita principle. To understand advaitic principle one has to understand the
spiritual anatomy of the human body which is made of five sheathes. (Discussed later)
Hence to understand one has to understand Ahimsa, which shines as the undercurrent of
the remaining four values, namely, truth, righteousness, love and peace. That which leads to
violence cannot be truth, righteousness, love or peace. These five values are verily the five lifebreaths of man ( praana, apaana, vyaana, udaana and samaana). One who considers human
values as his lifebreaths alone is a true human being. These five values are the fundamental
powers of human life. Forgetting these fundamental powers, man relies more on worldy power.
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Our ancients realized that these five values were meant for the peace and prosperity of the world.
Without understanding the significance of these values, one cannot understand humanness at all.
Just to understand, the cardinal values of Sathya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa
(Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-violence) are interrelated lets take an example, a
burning electric lamp, can be compared to Prema. For the lamp of love to burn, there should be a
bulb. That bulb is Santhi. The bulb had to be connected to an electric wire. That wire is Dharma.
And then the current has to flow in the wire. The current is Sathya. With the current of Sathya
(Truth) flowing in the wire of Dharma (Righteous conduct), connected to the bulb of Santhi
(Peace), the lamp of Prema (love) burns and sheds its light. Sathya, Dharma, Santhi and Prema
constitute single whole and not separate values. All the four values have to be adhered to equally.

What are the Universal Human Values?

There are five stem values and many sub-values, or virtues that come from these. Together they
make up the tapestry that forms an individual of character. They contain all that makes a human
being noble, caring, and kind.
If mankind is to live up to its name, it must be kind. Reflect on these values and ask yourself,
Can I live up to at least some of these?
When one value is truly understood and practiced then, the other values will also be understood,
for they are interlinked and flow from a common source, the Spirit within. For this reason many
of the sub-values or virtues are common to more than one value.
It has been said that nothing exists for itself only. The axe is useful so long as it cuts, the tree so
long as it bears fruit, the cow so long as it gives milk. This rule applies to everything in the
natural world, for all is interrelated. It also applies to humans. We are useful so long as we
practice human values. When we fail to do this, we are a danger to ourselves and to the planet
and the other life forms that dwell here.
The Five Universal Values from which the other values (108) and virtues stem are:
Right Conduct (Using the tool of the body)
Information is received through the five senses i.e. smell, taste sight, touch and hearing. When
this information is referred to the conscience, the resulting action will be beneficial. Every action
is preceded by thought. If the thought is consciously seen and noted, aims to help and is
unselfish, the action will be good for oneself and others. If our mind is busy, or we are
daydreaming, the action may be useless, clumsy or harmful to ourselves or others.
Developing the powers of discernment and greater alertness, helps the young person to become
more pro-active, making inner choices rather than simply acting from habits or familiar customs,
which they have never questioned.
Three aspects of life skills are identified:

self help skills, such as caring for self;

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social skills, such as good manners, helpfulness and service in the community;
ethical skills, such as courage and dependability.

Right conduct is also concerned with how we look after and use our bodies. The body needs
careful maintenance to be strong, healthy and well co-ordinate to serve us in performing the tasks
of life. Students need to understand the importance of exercise, such as gymnastics, yoga and
sports combined with good rest. Good thoughts and good company (which includes everything
imbibed by the five senses) are essential for healthy and well-balanced development.
Values Associated With Right Conduct
Right conduct (Love in action)
Cleanliness, contentment, courage, dependability, duty, ethics, gratitude, goals, good
behaviour, healthy living, helpfulness, initiative, leadership, perseverance, time
management, resourcefulness, respect, responsibility,sacrifice, self-sufficiency, selfconfidence, simplicity (22)

Self Help Skills: Care of possessions; Diet; Posture; Hygiene; Self reliance; Modesty; Tidy
appearance.
Social Skills: Good behavior; Good manners; Helpfulness; Not wasting; Friendship.
Ethical Skills: Code of conduct; Courage; Dependability; Ingenuity; Resourcefulness; Selfcontrol; Surrender; Duty; Efficiency; Punctuality; Responsibility; Self-confidence; Sense control;
Virtue; Perseverance; Respect for all; Self-acceptance; Self-esteem; Understanding.
Peace (Using the tool of the mind)
We smile when we are happy and contented. Contentment is gained when we cease to want for
ourselves all the apparent 'good' things conveyed to us through our five senses. When our
willpower is sufficiently strong to enable us to discern the difference between real needs and
superfluous desires, we cease to be driven by the urge to own more and more things. Inner
agitation stops and we are left feeling peaceful. When there is peace in the individual, there will
be peace in the family. When there is peace in the family, there will be peace in the community.
In order to learn, self-esteem, calmness and freedom from anxiety are necessary.
Peace (Love in thought)
Attention, calm, concentration, contentment, dignity, discipline, endurance, focus,
happiness, honesty, humility, inner silence, reflection, satisfaction, self-acceptance,
self-confidence, self-control, self-discipline,self-respect, understanding, care for
environment, national responsibility (22)

Values associated with Peace: Attention; Focus; Concentration; Calm; Satisfaction;

Contentment; Discipline; Self-discipline; Equanimity; Equality; Faithfulness; Gratitude;
Humility; Patience; Happiness; Optimism; Reflection; Harmony; Inner silence; Dignity.
Truth (Using the power of discrimination and intellect))
The desire to know truth has prompted mankind to ask some of the great questions such as: Who
am I? What is the purpose of life? How can I know my inner self/ God/ the Creator of the
universe? How can I live fully in the present moment? Learning to speak the truth is a first and
vital step in the formation of a strong character. Voicing an untruth is an anti-social act and
causes confusion in the mind of both the speaker and listener and leads to anti-social behaviour.
Telling lies hurts ourselves as well as others in a subtle, but very real way. One great distinction
between humankind and the rest of the animal kingdom is the ability to choose how to behave,
rather than just to follow the lower instincts (the law of the jungle). A human being is also able to
recognize past, present and future and to take note of changes occurring over time.
Truth (Love in speech)
Consciousness, creativity, curiosity, discrimination, equality, honesty, integrity,
intuition, natural environment, optimism, quest for knowledge, reason, self-analysis,
self-knowledge, self-worth, sense control, spirit of inquiry, synthesis, truthfulness,
unity in thought word and deed, unity in diversity (21)

Values associated with Truth: Truthfulness; Curiosity; Intuition; Quest for knowledge;
Determination; Spirit of enquiry; Self-analysis; Self-awareness; Reason; Sincerity; Optimism;
Fearlessness; Trust; Integrity; Discernment; Accuracy; Fairness; Honesty; Synthesis; Justice;
Purity.
Unity of thought, word and deed
Love (Using the power of energy)
Love is not an emotion, affected by the sub-conscious mind, but is a spontaneous, pure reaction
from the heart. It is the power of love which causes one person to wish happiness for another and
take pleasure in their well-being. A beneficial energy (love) is directed towards the other person.
As this energy flows through our own body first, it also enhances our own health. Love is
unconditional, positive regard for the good of another. It is giving and unselfish. Love is essential
if children are to grow up healthy in mind and body. Love is the unseen undercurrent binding all
the four values.
Thinking with love is truth
Feeling with love is peace
Acting with love is right conduct
Understanding with love is non-violence
When the mind is turned away from selfishness, the 'heart' opens, and love flows. Love is energy,
not an emotion, and is inherent in every breath. It is the motive force of the physical body.

Love
Bliss, caring, compassion, dedication, devotion, empathy,friendship, forgiveness,
generosity, helping, human dignity, inner happiness, joy, kindness, patience,
purity,sharing, sincerity, sympathy, tolerance, wisdom (21)

Values associated with Love: Service; Acceptance; Affection; Compassion; Consideration;

Empathy; Care; Dedication; Patience; Friendship; Forgiveness; Devotion; Forbearance;
Gentleness; Generosity; Interdependence; Patriotism; Kindness; Humaneness; Selflessness;
Sympathy; Truth; Sacrifice; Sharing; Tolerance; Reverence; Thoughtfulness.
Non-Violence (Awakening to the Spirit within ourselves and within all)
For the non-violent person, the whole world is his family When the former four values are
practised (i.e. the conscious mind is keenly aware, love is flowing, there is peace and actions are
right) life is lived without harming or violating anything else. It is the highest achievement of
human living encompassing respect for all life -living in harmony with nature, not hurting by
thought, word or deed. The Programme recognises two aspects of non-violence:
i) Psychological: such as compassion for all
ii) social: such as appreciation of all cultures and religions, and caring for the environment.
Non-violence can be described as universal love. When truth is glimpsed through intuition, love
is activated. Love is giving, rather than grasping and in allowing our stream of desires to subside,
inner peace develops and right conduct is practised. This results in non-violence i.e. the nonviolation of the natural laws which create harmony with the environment. Non-violence relates to
the Spiritual or Universal aspect of Being. Living in a way which causes as little harm as
possible to oneself, other people, animals, plants and the planet, is a sign of a well-integrated,
well-balanced personality. Such a person is well tuned to the spiritual aspect of humanity and is
in touch with an inner happiness which is permanent and part of one's real nature.
It is through our universal or spiritual aspect that we may experience:

a feeling of awe and wonder for the universe

a feeling of the unity of all
the desire to improve the quality of life for everyone
a sense of being part of a larger whole
a feeling of oneness of the planet and love for everything on it
an awareness of an underlying order to Creation
love and respect for the diversity of the human family

True knowledge is that which establishes harmony and synthesis between science on the one
hand and spirituality and ethics on the other.
Psychological: Benevolence; Compassion; Care of others; Consideration; Forbearance;
Forgiveness; Good manners; Happiness; Loyalty;Morality; Universal Love.
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Social: Appreciation of other cultures and religions, Brother/sisterhood, Care of the

environment, Citizenship, Equality, Harmlessness, National Awareness, Perseverance, Respect
for property, Social justice.
Non-violence (Love in understanding)

Appreciation of other cultures and religions, brotherhood, ceiling on desires, citizenship,

compassion, concern for all life, consideration,co-operation, forgiveness, global
awareness, good manners, inclusiveness, loyalty, national awareness, recycling, respect
for property, service to other, social justice, sustainable growth, universal love, unwilling
to hurt (22)

At the end of the Second World War, in one of his famous speeches, Sir Winston Churchill said
that now the threat imposed by the war had been averted, Mankind can walk in the sunny
uplands of human existence.
If he could see the riots over a game of soccer, the rapidly rising crime and suicide rates, and in
the number of lives terminated in the wombs of unmarried mothers; he would look in dismay at
the freedom purchased at the price of so many men and women cut down in their prime.
What have we done with the freedom so dearly purchased? And how do we rise to those
hallowed sunny uplands?
We believe that by understanding and living the values listed above, this world can become a
place of great beauty and the human family can live at peace in joy filled communion with one
another and with nature.

Good thoughts yield goodness

Individualss life depends upon three things - his words, his thoughts, and his deeds.
Whatever desires one gets, one will exhibit them and take them to his mind. For getting a
thought, mind is the basis. The thought that comes to your mind will be exposed to the world as
the word of the mouth. Once you utter this word of your mouth and expose the thought that has
come to your mind, in order that you put it into practice, action comes on. It is only when there is
a harmony between this thought, word, and action that man will be in a position to recognize his
own true nature. When one is able to put these three - thought, word, and action along the right
path, then do we earn punya (merit from good deeds). That is one has to overcome by over
coming the three common sheaths with animals ie. Annamaya (Body), Pranamaya (Life-force)
and manomaya (mental) with Vijnaamaya (intelligence)leading to Aanandamaya(Bliss).
There are five types of human beings (manava) based on practice of values.
The term Maanava has two meanings
The human-human type are those who discharge their prescribed duties in life according to the
various stages--Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vaanaprastha and Sanyasa (student, householder,
forest-dweller and mendicant)--and lead a pure and sanctified life. Such persons strive to adhere
to the basic human values of Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love and thereby live up to their
true human nature.
The term maanava (human) has two meanings. One is maa (not) nava (new}--one who is not
new. This means that man has a long history behind him. The other meaning is: maa-na-vaone
who is free from ignorance (maa-ignorance, na-without, va-living). True humanness consists of
turning away from evil courses and pursuing right paths in life.
1)Maanava-daivatvam (human-divine) type; The human-divine type consists of persons who are
aware of the divinity in them. They recognise that the Atma is the real Self and regard the body
as an instrument for realising the Divine. They strive to lead pure and sacred livers, always
entertain pure thoughts and engage themselves in acts of charity and righteousness. They
concentrate their minds on the Divine and fill their lives with the love of God.
2) Maanava-maanavatvam (human-human);
3) Maanava-daanavatvam (human-demonic); This type of human beings follow evil practices
not only in matters relating to food and recreation, but engage themselves in acts of cruelty and
violence. They lead lives bereft of morality and justice. They are intensely selfish and have no
thought of being helpful to anyone. The demonic quality is identified with selfishness and
cruelty. If righteousness is the mark of a truly human person, wickedness is the mark of the
demonic being.
4) Maanava-pashutvam (human-animal); The Maanava-pashutvam (human-animal) type: This
type of person is concerned only with eating, sleeping and sensuous pleasures. These animal
qualities are described in Hindi as "Khaana, Sonaa, Mamaa" (eating, sleeping and dying). These
persons have no higher aims in life. Hence, they lead an animal existence. There is only one
thing which is worse than this human-animal existence.
5) Maanava-heenatvam (debased human). That is the debased human being, who will go to the
extent of subjecting himself to suffering for the purpose of doing harm to others. He will be
prepared to lose both his eyes to see that the other man loses

one. He will do harm to those who have done him good. This is the most degraded type of human
being. The greatness of a human being does not consist in returning good for good. It consists of
doing good to one who has done him harm. It is enough if men try to be at least truly human, if
they cannot rise to the level of the human-divine. Men should seek to live as true human beings.
Thereby they may go towards the divine. Whatever studies you may pursue, whatever degrees
you may acquire, never fail to live up to your true human estate. Without developing the true
human qualities, all learning is like the howling of jackals in a cemetery. Getting by rote all
kinds of knowledge without making any effort to put even a fraction of it into practice is simply
an infliction on the memory.
Because human values are not practiced, the world is in a mess. The head and the heart
are two important organs in every human being. Thoughts that arise in the head are worldly and
fickle. They are influenced by external activities. Reading, writing, eating, and earning are all
outward activities. They are the products of the head. All sacred feelings arise from the heart.
Sacred qualities like compassion, love, sympathy, forbearance, and truth emanate from the heart.
They are all called inward qualities. The world is nothing but a combination of external and
internal tendencies. Just as a sapling grows into a huge tree giving you flowers and fruits,
likewise, thoughts those are sacred lead to actions that yield fruits of all goodness. Man is
combination of three entities: the body, the mind, and the Atma (spirit). First comes the body. It
is the instrument of action. The mind thinks. The conscience is the Atma, or spirit that exists as
consciousness. So, human life is a combination of these three aspects: action, thinking, and
consciousness.
If the body functions independently without consulting the mind and the spirit, the activity
will be animal activity (Maanava-pashutvam).
If the mind acts independently without coordinating with the body and the spirit, the activity
is likely to be demonic (Maanava-daanavatvam).
If the spirit acts independently, the actions will transcend the body and the mind (Maanavadaivatvam).
So the mind has to be controlled by developing the vidya of Annveekshaki (atma vidya or
knowlwdge of self or spiritual knowledge) by nurturing the virtues of maithri (Comradship);
Karuna (compassion), Muditha (good-company; sath sang), Upekisha (Non-involvement).
The true mark of a human being is goodness. Goodness is not a product of academic education
(Vaartha Vidya). Can bookish knowledge be called true education? Without spiritual knowledge
(Annveekshaki ) and wisdom, can a person be called educated?
It is to noted that even if a person is well versed in Vaartha and earns scholarship and material
possessions, it is neither useful for him or others. Let us observe!
When money, scholarship, cleverness and intelligence are possessed by persons in whom Rajas
(passion, emotion, extrovert qualities), predominates, they promote hatred, ambition and lust.
When possessed by persons in whom Tamas (sloth, dullness, and conceit) predominates, they
promote miserliness, greed and envy. When possessed by persons in whom Satwa (equanimity,
balance, purity) predominates, they promote love, compassion, urge to serve, the unity of all
mankind and world peace. The sublimation of character into the stage of Satwa is the duty which
everyone owes himself. This is the path; this is the real goal. You must try ceaselessly to tread the
path and reach the goal.
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To attain the guality of Satwa one has to follow the advaitic principle to give up the feelings of
I and You; then alone can you understand the glory of that which is neither I nor Mine.
This does not involve your renouncing everything. The Real Teaching (Vidya) directs that the
world be dealt with, as duty demands, in a spirit of detachment, avoiding entanglement. The acid
test by which an activity can be confirmed as holy or sacred is to examine whether it promotes
attachment or avoids bondage. The acid test to decide whether an activity is unholy or sinful is to
examine whether it arises from or promotes greed. This is the Real Teaching.
Characters of Good Men: Source-Ramayana.

They are not fascinated by sensual pleasures.

They possess all the best virtues and modes of behaviour.
They will be happy at the happiness of others; they will be sad when others are sad.

They look upon all with equal affection (maithri).

They have no enemies and they are not bothered even if foes exist (Upeksha).
They are endowed with wisdom, knowledge of the objective world, and a deep sense of
detachment.

Their hearts are tender; they have compassion towards the weak and the helpless (Karuna).
They adore my feet with purity of thought, word and deed .

They delight in serving me. They have no concern with fame or infamy, honour or dishonour.
They are always interested in serving others; they never yield to the urge of selfishness, even
in dreams.

Their actions are transparently simple; their hearts are ever cool and unruffled. They yearn
for opportunities to renounce; they are every moment soaked in joy.

For them praise and blame are the same. Brother! Whoever has these characteristics in him,
take it that he is of my own nature. He is myself, I am himself. Take that to be the truth.

Qualities of bad men. Listen. You should avoid their company, by all means. Grief will descend
upon you as a result of that companionship.

Their hearts will be pained at the prosperity of others.

They will delight as much in scandalising others, as in welcoming a fortune.

The six foes of good men - lust, anger, greed, desire, pride and hatred are fostered by them
and they are ever at their beck and call. They move about and act according to the commands
of these six. We already know as per our previous discussions that The scriptures say that
envy, greed, lust and anger are all vyaadhi kaaranam (sources of disease).
Pity and charity are absent in their makeup.
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They pick up quarrels with others with no reason or on no provocation.

They develop enmity even towards those who do good to them.

Their actions are false; their utterances are false; their dealings of give and take are false.
Their attitudes are hard; they have hearts of stone. The peacock is charming to behold; its cry
is pleasant to hear; but it kills snakes. So too wicked men are eager to harm others, and
craving for others' wives.

They relish damaging the reputation of others. They revel in evil; they are evil-minded all the
time. They are the meanest among men. They have no fear of retribution. When they see or
hear about the progress of another, they are possessed by so much envy that they are afflicted
with unbearable headache. But when others are caught in calamity, they exult over their
sufferings. When others are suffering, they are elated as if they have been crowned kings of
the realm.

They are dominated by the ego; they do not have any thought of helping others, even in their
dreams!

Their hearts are the birthplaces of lust, anger and other passions.

They have no consideration towards parents, preceptors or elders.

They feel disgust at the very mention of 'good personages' or 'God'. Their intellects are dull;
their conduct is reprehensible. They can be observed in large numbers during the Kaliyuga.

So when we want to know how valueless people have become over the years one of the
latest examples is crucification of Jesus.
At that time, the priests of the holy temples of Jerusalem had become corrupt and
commercialized. They had deteriorated into proud and selfish men. Jesus condemned them and
tried to root out the evil practices. For, all forms were in the eyes of Jesus, Divine Forms and he
could not tolerate any action which belied this status. So, when asked by people who he was, he
could reply, "I and my Father are One." Jesus tried to teach everyone the Fatherhood of God and
the Brotherhood of Man.
Tradition-minded and egoistic men considered Jesus a false prophet and they tried by every
means to thwart his mission. Jesus, however, did not waver. Faced with opposition, he continued
to be an example of living Truth, and to purify society. Many disciples, followed Jesus but
throughout history, it has been the experience that disciples however close are seldom fully
dedicated. Most are only part-time devotees. Jesus had 12 disciples, most of whom had faith in
him and lived his teachings. But, Judas yielded to greed. He betrayed his Master for a mere 30
coins. He could not find joy in life after this treachery. His mind gave him no peace. He had to
seek refuge in suicide.
Betrayal by people who pretend to adore is happening since ages. Corrupt, greedy and selfish
people spread falsehoods about their own Masters. We hear of a Judas, 2000 years ago. But in the
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Kali Age, people are obsessed with money and Judases have multiplied. They seek to amass
paltry riches whereas good character, good conduct and knowledge of God are the three real
treasures to be gathered. Land and buildings, silver and gold, dollars and other currencies are
temporary and trivial. They are possessions only until life lasts. But those three treasures will
stay on, sustain and strengthen you until you attain union with the Infinite.
Decline of Truth and rightenous
Fostering or Protecting Sathya (Truth) and Dharma(right action)
To safeguard the nation Sathya and Dharma have to be protected only. These two will protect all.
Giving up Truth and right conduct, educated persons, in the name of country and nation, are
undermining the country. It is more vital to cultivate virtues than go after scholarship or other
possessions of a transient nature.
It is a pity that even the elders, lured by modernity, are following occidental ways, giving up
their own ancient culture. It is no wonder the younger generation is following their example.
Leaders, parents and teachers are not setting the right example to young people. Our ancients led
exemplary, noble lives because of their practice of virtue. They pursued the four Purusharthas
(goals of life) and shared the benefits and joys derived therefrom with others. Young people
today indulge in all sorts of practices. Of the four Purusharthas--Dharma, Artha, Kama and
Moksha--they have given up Dharma and Moksha and are only pursuing Artha (material
welfare) and Kama (sensual desires). As a consequence, disorder and insecurity have grown in
society. The loss of peace and security is the direct result of forgetting Truth and Righteousness.
We should not forget our ancient culture. This is the very life-breath of Bharatiyas. Bharat has
offered to the world the gems of this culture. Samskriti refers to the process of refinement of
every object before it is made fit for human use. For example, paddy has to be converted into
cooked rice before it is fit for consumption. In the process it undergoes many changes and
acquires added value. Likewise, man should not remain in the state in which he was born. He
should manifest his inherent divinity. Students should therefore try to acquire, in addition to
academic knowledge, qualities like humility and discrimination, which will help them to become
full-fledged human personalities. As a seed finds fulfilment in a fruit-bearing tree, man should
find fulfilment in a purposeful life.
Origin of body: Listen to the story of the origins of the body, which clarifies the mystery. The
body is primarily indebted for its emergence to the food (Anna) that the parents consume, is it
not? Where did that Anna come from? From the earth-element: the grains and other materials
which grew on the earth. And the earth? The Prithvi-element? It evolved from Jalatathwam, the
Water-element. Tracing back, we find that the Jalatathwam emerged from Agni or the fireelement, the Agni from Vayu, the Vayu from Aakaasa and the Aakaasa from the Maya of
Godhead! That Maya is merely My apparel."
"My apparel, which I willed and folded around Me became Aakaasa, the Aakaasa got
transformed into Vaayu, the Vaayu changed into Agni, the Agni into Jala, the Jala became Prithvi
or earth, the Earth grew grains of food, the food developed into the body! So, it is clear, is it not,
that the Deha too is Myself? Why doubt this?" (Source:Geetha)

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Beware of these to inculcate good virtues:

1.
Be always on the alert against the four sins, which the tongue is prone to commit:
i.
Speaking falsehood
ii.
Speaking ill of others
iii.
Backbiting and
iv. Talking too much.
It is best to attempt to control these tendencies.
2. Try to prevent the five sins that the body commits: Killing, adultery, theft, drinking intoxicants
and the eating of flesh. It is a great help for the highest life if these also are kept as far away as
possible.
3. One must be always vigilant, without a moment's carelessness, against the eight sins that
the mind perpetrates: Kamam or craving; Krodham or anger; Lobham or greed; Moham
or attachment; impatience; hatred, egoism, pride. Man's primary duty is to keep all these
things at a safe distance from him.

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