315. Detachment

Grow up knowing how not to be affected by the inevitable problems of life. Have a sense of inner peace to sustain you in difficult times. This can be achieved by meditation. Day by day as you meditate, you will strengthen that core of iner strength, serenity and calm. That place is your true self. It knows all, was never born, will never die, is not the effect of any external cause, is self-existent, imperishable, ancient; it lives in all hearts. That place is the one self of all beings. Self-realisation is the path to resting your mind there forever.

244. Advice from Marcus Aurelius

Here are 10 things Marcus Aurelius advises :

1. Always be courteous and serene of temper.

2. Be manly without ostentation.

3. Be pious and generous. Avoid uncharitableness in thought word and action. Hold also a simplicity of life.

4. No expense should be spared for the sake of good masters (teachers).

5. Do not be partisan. Seek the bigger picture. Fear not hard work. Be sparing in your wants. Attend to your own needs. Mind your own business.Do not listen to gossip.

6. Do not be absorbed in trivial pursuits. Be sceptical of wizards and wonder workers with their tales of the supernatural.Eschew cock-fighting and other barbaric distractions. Do not resent outspokenness. Compose essays.

7. Learn Philosophy, Law and Wrestling. Remember that your character needs training and care daily.

8. Whenever someone falls out with you through ill temper and is willing to make peace again, be willing to meet him halfway.

9. Be accurate in your readings. Do not be content with a mere general idea of what is meant. Do not be too quickly convinced by a glib tongue.

10. You need to make decisions for yourself and do not depend on the hazzards of chance. Never for a moment, leave Reason out of sight.

44. Serenity

At all times strive for the quality of Serenity. This is known also as inner peace, wa, shibumi, tranquility, rest, stillness, satori, nirvana etc etc. It is more valuable than gold for it is a firm foundation for your mind. If you really hear and embody The Perfect Prayer you will achieve it :

Om
That is Perfect
This is Perfect
Perfect comes from Perfect
Take Perfect from Perfect
And the remainder is Perfect
May Peace and Peace and Peace be everywhere
Om

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