Living Wisely Living Well | With Asha Nayaswami

Trust life, even if you cannot trust people. For human nature is unreliable, but life itself is ruled by immutable law. Right action leads always, in the end, to victory

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Criticize no one. If you must offer correction, give that person a way to preserve his self-respect. When others feel your support, they will support you in turn—perhaps at times when you need it most.

Make it a point, today, to laugh at least three times from your heart. Such laughter is the strongest antidote for disease, depression, and corroding sorrow of every kind.

Even when threatened by disaster, if you are steadfastly honest and truthful you will not only survive: you will flourish.

In addressing those who have spoken against you, say to them, “Thank you. You’ve helped me affirm that which alone is real to me: the joy of my own being.” A “friend” once spent more than one hour coldly denouncing me for all the faults he had perceived in me. They seemed in some way to disturb his peace of mind. I listened in silence, then thanked him. There was nothing more to be said. After his departure, however, I wrote what I think of as one of my best songs, the lyrics of which go:

Though green summer fade

     And winter draw near,

My Lord, in Your presence

     I live without fear.

Through tempest, through snows,

     Through turbulent tide,

The touch of Your hand

     Is my strength, and my guide.

I ask for no riches

     That death can destroy.

I crave only Thee:

     Your love, and Your joy.

The dancers will pass;

     The singing must end:

I welcome the darkness

     With You for my Friend.

For this song I am forever grateful to my self-styled enemy and ill-wisher.

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How should you respond to a false accusation? You might try answering, “Now that you’ve reduced me to a level you can handle, may we talk as friends?” (That subtle reprimand will be well deserved!)

The more you share with others, the more you will receive in life the blessing of abundance.

Answer rudeness with courtesy. You might reply with a smile, “Life is all the richer for the many points of view it presents.”

To become inwardly free, live to serve others rather than for personal gain. Service is magnanimity, and the prerogative of kings. But the more you work for personal gain, the more you will only beggar yourself.

Hold kindness in your heart for everyone. Blame nobody for the mistakes he commits. Reflect: All human beings are struggling to find their own way out of the jungle of delusion.