Art of living has only 5 basic principles, yet it can change our lives and improve the quality of every day life so much. Here they are: 

1. You know there are ups and downs in life. Pleasant things happen, unpleasant things happen. The first principle is: In all situations, keep the balance of the mind.

Often what happens, when things go our way, we are so happy. But when things don’t go our way, we get depressed and angry. To maintain equanimity is the first principle.

2. The next principle is to accept people as they are. Accept difference; it could be temperament, ideology, whatever. Accept them as they are. A very important principle.

3. The third principle is, don't be a football of others’ opinions. Don’t worry what others are thinking about you. In fact, nobody has time to think about you. Look into yourself and see what is right and what is not right for you, by yourself.

4. The next point is, don’t see intention behind others' mistakes. Very important. Inside every culprit there is a victim crying for help. Recognizing that.

5. And live in the present moment.

These are the basic five things that we have to keep in mind.

What happens with these basic principles? Three things happen. Purity of heart, clarity of mind, and sincerity in action. That’s all.

Gurudev  Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji