Personal thoughts on good living

1. Q&A ON PRACTICAL LIVING
(AND THE CASE FOR LIVING A GOOD LIFE)
Kirk DCruz

2. IS LIFE EASY?
Life is on the face of it, difficult. It is a constant struggle but the struggle is more of an internal struggle within us - between good and
evil, between right and wrong, between what’s permanent and impermanent, between the infinite and the finite, between discipline and
indiscipline.
The right thing to do is to choose what is good and beneficial but not necessarily pleasant or easy rather than what’s pleasant and easy
but not necessarily good and beneficial; to stay with the permanent rather than the impermanent for the impermanent cannot be relied
upon. There is certainty only in the permanent and not in the impermanent.
We cannot control the external environment but can control how we react to it. We should respond with equanimity and indifference.
We may know what is good and yet do what is wrong that is not good. We may thus possess the right knowledge but not have the will to
carry it out.
When we realize that no amount of lower will actions are going to satisfy us and we get frustrated and see the futility of it all, we will
start moving to the higher will. In the process, the lower will is not intended to be suppressed or repressed but to be transformed.
The longer we are in denial of the lower will and the slower we take to make the transformation, the more difficult the journey.
When we submit to a higher will, we will be moving towards the right path and our actions will become righteous. The secret in life
therefore is to submit, surrender, renounce, sacrifice to a higher will and we will then enjoy life.
Renounce and enjoy!!

3. HOW DO WE SUBMIT TO A HIGHER WILL?
Firstly by renouncing what is material. Withdrawing our senses from
the sense objects which are material and learning to do our duty.
Getting ego out of the way
Filling the vacuum created by the withdrawal of the senses with
performing our duty will prevent boredom and regression.
Channelizing energy into order to help build our character and evolve
our soul
Being still in action and active when still.
Having endurance - strength in the storm.
Treating likes and dislikes equally.

4. HOW DO WE KNOW OUR DUTY?
 Our duty is according to our nature without being attached to the
fruit of our actions so that there is no build up of karma
(consequentiality) but a reduction of karma.
 Destiny is in our hands.
 Do what we are passionate about. If we are passionate about
teaching and mentoring then this is our duty.
 Common to all however is our duty is to give and serve others
lovingly and selflessly. It is to lead by example and guide others
along the same path.
 There are various tools to help us perform our duty well and live a
good life.

5. WHAT ARE THE TOOLS FOR LIVING A GOOD LIFE?
 Live in the present, in the here and now, in the moment – don’t worry about the past or be anxious about the future
 Slow down, be patient, be accepting, grateful, forgiving and go easy on yourself – use humor to lighten the situation
 Make a “to be” list rather than only a “to do” llst. Make that list now and then revisit it everyday
 Be mindful, aware, awake and conscious of your breathing for that’s the connection to the divine
 Do things in moderation and with self-discipline/control, balance
 Respect your body as a temple. Cherish what you have.
 Practice yoga - Meditate and concentrate– calming the mind and body for positive energy, creativity and peace
 Chant prayers
 Be charitable - Serve and give selflessly and lovingly
 Have faith and devotion - Worship the infinite – no point accumulating the finite
 Embrace good values, thoughts, words, feelings ,conduct – dispel fear, sorrow, anger, greed, jealousy, lust, boredom, hatred
 Acquire knowledge and wisdom. Simple living, high thinking.
 Sacrifice
 See yourself in all – material and non-material and all in yourself
 Don’t objectify or fragment but see the beauty in the whole. Celebrate all things and enjoy all kinds of work – small or big
 Be an observer of yourself – a witness to yourself and keep a check on your lower will
 Do what you don’t like doing first
 Whatever you do – do it with purpose, do something meaningful and offer it to the higher will for the satisfaction of a good life

6. WHY BOTHER TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE?
 No fear of death
 Heaven on Earth
 Blissful state
 Liberation
 Freedom
 Mastery
 Joy
 Peace
 Happiness
 Contentment
 Fulfilment
 Harmony
 Enlightenment
 The Universe is yours!!