CHAPTER XX - SYNTHESIS OF RATIONALISTIC PRINCIPLES
The whole Universe is ruled by common, natural laws. Such laws, from which the well-known axiom "as you think, so you will be" is derived, are immutable. Among these, the law which governs the action of thought is outstanding.
First one truth must be acknowledged, i.e., the importance of thought as a powerful force of attraction of both good and evil. Once this is acknowledged, man should steer his life so as to put into practice his acquired knowledge.
For this purpose he needs to adopt, as behavioural guidelines, the Christian Rationalist principles best suited for each occasion. This will ensure success in his undertakings and good spiritual attendance.
Following are some of the most important of these principles:
(1) To strengthen the will for the practice of good.
(2) To cultivate uplifted thoughts in favour of one's fellow man.
(3) To lend a helping hand to whoever needs it, whenever the available means and the opportunity allows it.
(4) To keep emotions in balance when analysing facts so as not to disturb the necessary serenity
(5) To conduct oneself in a respectful way as regards language and attitudes.
(6) To respect other's points of view, especially when sincerely expressed.
(7) To eliminate heated arguments from everyday habits.
(8) Not to wish others what one does not wish for oneself.
(9) To fight slander
(10) Not to connect oneself through thought to mean, disturbed, or impudent people..
(11) To exert one's will power against irritability.
(12) To adopt, as a disciplinary rule, the healthy habit of only making decisions aimed at being just. For this purpose, to act with serenity and valour and only after careful consideration.
(13) To drive away evil thoughts.
(14) To exercise moderation in speech, dress, work, sleep, nourishment and recreation.
(15) To be mindful of politeness and punctuality, which are a reflex of sound upbringing.
(16) To impose mental and physical discipline on the demands of life.
(17) To forget those who have perpetrated offence, treason, and ingratitude.
(18) to refrain from social contact with people who lack moral character.
(19) To minimise the time spent with dishonest individuals whom business interests may force one to have contact with and to forget them immediately thereafter
(20) To cultivate the habit of good humour since organic cells receive healthy influences by way of good humour.
(21) To foster longevity by all means, including spiritual means. One should not forget that bodily health is dependent on a good state of mind.
(22) To devote one's full energies to the safety and stability of the household.
(23) To keep full mental and physical hygiene.
(24) To refine to the utmost the brotherly feeling of friendship towards good people, having in mind the intensification of the affinitive current in our planet, for the common good.
Inasmuch as there are two currents involving our planet - the stream of good and the stream of evil - man cannot be neutral. He will have to vibrate in unison with either one or the other. Therefore, it will be only logical and wise to become connected to the current of good.