Spirituality Tripod: Wisdom, Centeredness, Forbearance

There are three qualities worth developing as parts of one's personality:

1) Vivek (Wise Intellect) : The capability to distinguish between what's really of value and what might be pleasurable in the short term but is likely to cause harm in the long term.

In any given situation, at any given time, apply your vivek (wise intellect) and continuously choose what's good for you and the society at large. And continuously firmly reject anything that might give you short term pleasure but would harm you or others in the long term.

To start with, this might require a stepping back and thinking slowly and systematically. But you will find that as this capability develops, right choices will reveal themselves to you quickly.

2) Vairagya (Dispassion and Centeredness) : All of us have aspirations and desires and it's perfectly legitimate to pursue them. But there is hardly any point going cuckoo in the process. Set your goals and targets and pursue them with a calm mind. Along the way there might be some obstacles. Keep working hard without losing your composure. Sometimes you will succeed, and sometimes maybe not. That's just how it goes. Don't lose your balance. If you encounter failure, ask yourself: would you like to give it another shot? If the answer is yes, do so : this time with more wisdom, more clarity. And if the answer is no, if you would like to change your goals: that's fine too. It's entirely your prerogative. But throughout: maintain vairagya (dispassion and centeredness) and don't lose your composure and balance.

3) Titiksha (Forbearance): In life some difficulties come, some unpleasant experiences come, some pain comes : happens to everyone : have the capacity, the forbearance (titiksha), to bear with it and move through these times without letting your mind get depressed and your will power and intent to achieve your goals weaken.

Develop these qualities in you and your personality will shine, your quality of life will improve, chances of succeeding in your ventures will improve significantly.