So you want a happy life? Here is Bhismadeva’s advice: Maharaja Yudhisthira inquired, “How should one act so that he can very easily pass his journey through life?”
In reply, Bhishma advised, “My dear King, a person who wants to avoid putting himself into great difficulty should carefully avoid performing three acts with his body- the killing of other living entities, stealing, and the enjoyment of others’ wives.”
i.e. Don’t:
1. kill other living entities (do help others)
2. steal (do give to others in charity)
3. have illicit sex (do practice fidelity)
“In addition, one should meticulously avoid four acts of speech- conversation about sinful activities, the utterance of harsh and offensive words, the advertising of others’ faults, and lies.
i.e. Don’t:
4. talk about sinful things (intoxication, illicit sex, gambling, etc.) (Do talk Krishna katha)
5. Don’t speak unkindly to others (Do speak kindly to others)
6. Don’t speak unkindly about others (Do speak well of others)
“Three acts of the mind should also be rigorously avoided- coveting others’ possessions, disbelief in the Vedas, and thoughts of injuring others. If a person acts in this way, he will traverse the path of life as easily as possible.”
i.e. Don’t:
7. Be envious of the things other people have. (Do practice satisfaction…be content with our lot)
8. Doubt the Vedas (Do study the Vedas and follow Vedic injunctions)
9. meditate on harming others. (Do meditate on doing good to others).