Bad Habits:

Bad Habits:

How to get rid of bad habits like smoking, alcoholism etc has been a pertinent question for ages. There may be varied reasons for a person for submitting to a bad habit. Sometimes it may be of genetics or because of some kind of tension or of lifestyle. In some cases it may have some professional roots. Bad habits may also originate from sheer imitation. Some habits sprout out from the false notion of social status. Even tradition and socio-religious practices give birth to bad habits.
The curious thing about doing away with bad habits is that it has got nothing to do with the reasons of its origin. Analysis of the reason will do no good. The Determination of the person concerned has also got very little significance in this aspect. Some scientists are of the view that some habits like alcoholism create not only psychological problems but also structural changes in the physiology of the brain cell 0f the person concerned. Then, how can we get rid of such bad habits? Religious strictures and Taboos can, in a way, control such habits from person to person. But as regards to an already addicted person this method is not very effective. Some kind of social regulations and legislations may also have some effect in checking this menace. In some cases a medical approach may be helpful. Prayer, Meditation etc can also be of some help.
The most effective method of getting rid of a bad habit is by way of observation. A person can very well observe himself when he wants to have alcohol or something like that. He can watch the movement of his mind's play. He has to do that without criticizing his mind, without making any judgment. He should not, at that time, think of the reasons of the origin of this habit. He should in no way justify his temptation. He should just watch the working of his mind. This understanding of one's self, this awareness, will naturally keep him away from taking in alcoholic or whatever it may be. Thus one can be free from such bad habits without any stress or strain. This understanding will reflect in all of one's activities.

Sitting still and doing nothing

Sitting still and doing nothing

The great Tao masters have told us a lot a bout this great phenomenon. It means

a state of inner serenity combined with an intense aesthetic awareness. Sit erect and at the same time be comfortable. Watch your breath and take one or two deep breath. Within seconds you will come to know that the speed of thoughts coming and going will be reduced and slowly you will be in a state of thoughtlessness. If at that time you hear the tolling of a bell or fluttering of a Bird's wings or something like that you can just enjoy that experience. There will be no judgement or any kind of negation or criticism. This state of awareness is really a great thing. So sit still and do nothing. Be aware of the working of your inner self and also of the outer world.
Some may raise a doubt as to whether this is promoting laziness . No, here the person is not at all lazy. He is innately active. He can do anything in such a state of mind. Here the individual consciousness and the cosmic consciousness are one and the same. Or there is a bridge between the two. If he acts now, it will be an action ; not a reaction at all. The pertinent question at this juncture is whether one can always be in such a statte of mind. The question is unquestionably valid.