Monday 18 May 2009

The Conduct of Life

The following piece is taken from the Brahmanic scriptures and despite it's ancient origins and its use of the masculine gender exclusively,(this was the way in those days ladies) there is much here I believe that can guide us on our road of physical, emotional and spiritual discovery.

Lionel


Since the days that are past and gone and those that are yet to come, may not find you here on Earth, it behoves you to employ the present. The instant is yours, the next is in the womb of futurity and you do not know what it may produce.

Whatever you resolve to do, do it quickly; defer not till the evening what the morning may accomplish. Idleness is the parent of want and pain; but the labour of virtue produces pleasure. Endeavour to be the first in your calling, whatever it may be, neither let anyone go before you in doing good.

Envy not the merits of another but improve your own talents. Scorn to defeat your competitor by dishonest or unworthy means. Strive to raise yourself above him only by excelling him; so shall your battle for superiority be crowned with honour, if not success.

Hear the words of prudence, pay heed to her counsels and store them in your heart. Her maxims are universal and all virtues lean upon her; she is the guide and mistress of human life.

A noble spirit disdains the malice of fortune; his greatness of soul is not to be cast down. His happiness depends not upon her smiles; therefore with her frowns is he not dismayed. He meets the evils of life as a man goes into battle and returns with victory in his hand. His calmness and his courage alleviate the weight of his misfortunes; his constancy surmounts them.

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