mind clear. If you are sometimes bothered by disturbing thoughts, you don’t have to try to drive them away or repress them. Just substitute another more peaceful or loving thought for the disturbing one.” (Swami Satchidananda: To Know Yourself)
It has been rightly said: “Do not practise when the body feels very lazy or ill, or when the mind is very miserable and sorrowful. Go to a place which is well hidden and where people do not come to disturb you.” (Santi Nath Chattopadhyay: Swami Vivekananda: His Global Vision)
Man’s behaviour has been besmirched by negative thinking, prejudices, delusions, anger, lust, greed, attachment and ego. Very often, man becomes a victim of these obnoxious traits. Surprisingly, man is attracted towards them. He also feels it is difficult to discard them. Hence, let us pulverize negative thinking at the earliest. Some emotions like fear cause delusion. Managing emotions is the key to happiness.
Also, beware of habits. They enter our lives spontaneously without permission. But, they shape our destiny. It is said that the brain has a self-programming ability. Habit

formation is the brain’s way of simplifying its work and making it more efficient. Studies have shown that the habits of alcoholics remain intact even after surgery is done on their brains. Thus, old habits die hard. Yet, habits can be changed although with some diificulty.
One has to maintain a learning mind and a helping mind. While the learning mind is busy acquiring knowledge, the helping mind derives pleasure from rendering service to others. Most of us are interested in taking, not in giving. But, there is joy in giving. Sages say one’s life is complete only when one helps others.
It is said: “Giving should come from the heart. You should give willingly. Then there won’t be any animosity.” (Swami Satchidananda). One should help others unconditionally. One should not expect something in return. Also, help should not be beyond one’s means. One has to prioritise the assistance that you give to others. Of course, one can receive help from others when it is absolutely needed.
Master Sivananda has said: “Serve and love. Service comes first. Serve with love, because without love you cannot serve. Without control of your passions and selfishness, you

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