The Song of Eighteen Ities

Serenity, regularity, absence of vanity,
Sincerity, simplicity, veracity,

Equanimity, fixity, non-irritability,
Adaptability, humility, tenacity,

Integrity, nobility, magnanimity,
Charity, generosity, purity.

Practice daily these eighteen “ities”,
You will soon attain immortality.

Brahman is the only real Entity,
Mr. So and So is a false non-Entity.

You will behold unity in diversity;
You cannot attain this in the university.

SERENITY

Be tranquil within. Let that inner peace and inner joy radiate through a serene countenance. A serene countenance is peaceful, smiling and serious and does not betray any violent emotions. It is like the surface of a still lake.

REGULARITY

Be regular in your daily habits, work and spiritual practices. Get up at a particular time. Be clock-like in your daily activities. You will be free from worry, anxiety, haphazardness and shabby work. You will do the right thing at the right moment.

ABSENCE OF VANITY

Do not boast of your birth, position, qualifications and spiritual attainments. Praise others. See God in all. Treat even the lowliest creature with respect and as your equal.

SINCERITY

Let your words agree with your thoughts; let your actions agree with your words. Let there be harmony among your thoughts, words and actions.


SIMPLICITY

Be artless. Be simple in your speech. Do no twist words and topics. Be plain; avoid diplomacy, cunningness and crookedness. Be simple in your dress. Be simple in your food.

VERACITY

Be truthful. Stick to your promises. Do no exaggerate. Do not twist facts. Think twice before you speak. Speak truthfully. Speak sweetly. Be precise in what you say.

EQUANIMITY

Be calm. Bear insult patiently. Bear injury, suffering, failure and disrespect calmly. Do no be elated by praise, pleasure, success and honour. Look upon them with equal vision. Behave alike towards friends and foes. Never let anything disturb your inner peace.

FIXITY

Remember that you cannot achieve anything if you are fickle-minded. Choose your goal or ideal. Always remember that and never let it go out of the mind even for a moment.

NON-IRRITABILITY

Irritability is the precursor of violent outbursts of anger. Watch for the disturbance in the mental equilibrium. Watch for the ripples of anger that might arise in the lake of the mind. Quell them then and there. Do no allow them to assume greater proportions. Then you will attain peace.

ADAPTABILITY

Understand well the nature of people with whom you come into contact. Adjust your mode of approach to them. Adjust yourself in such a way as to be pleasing to them. Joyfully bear with the eccentricities of other people. Always react in a harmonious manner. Serve all and love all. Have the feelings that the Lord is in all as the Self of all.

HUMILITY

Respect everybody. Bow with folded hands before everybody. Do not talk in a loud voice before elders and venerable persons. Look at the toes while you walk. See the Lord in all and feel that you are his servant and so the servant of all. Consider none as inferior to you. Love and respect all and serve them with affection.

TENACITY

This is the natural friend of fixity. Once you have fixed your aim and chosen your path, stick to it. Do not waver. Be steadfast. Never compromise on your fundamental principles. Have the attitude “I may give up my life but I will not swerve from the path; I will not break my vows”. Then your will-power will be strong and irresistible.

INTEGRITY

Develop an integral personality. Tie all the loose ends of your character. Become a man of high moral principles. Lead a life of righteousness. Let righteousness waft its sweet fragrance from you. Everyone will trust you, obey you, respect you and revere you.

NOBILITY

Shun mean-mindedness as dung and poison. Never look into the defects of others. Always appreciate the good qualities of everyone. Be dignified in bearing. Never stoop to ignoble thoughts, words and actions.

MAGNANIMITY

Take a broad view of things. Ignore the faults of others. Be great and noble-minded in whatever you do. Avoid silly talk and childish prattle. Let not the mind dwell on little and insignificant things.

CHARITY

Give, give and give. This is the secret of abundance. Radiate thoughts of goodness and love. Forgive the faults of others. Bless the man who injures you. Share what you have with others. Disseminate spiritual knowledge to one and all. Use the material wealth, knowledge and spiritual wisdom that you possess as a divine trust.

GENEROSITY

In whatever you give, be liberal. Have a large heart. Do not be miserly. Take delight in the joys of others and in making them happy. Generosity is a sister-virtue of charity. It is the fulfillment of charity, magnanimity and nobility.

PURITY

Be pure at heart. Eradicate lust, anger, greed and other evil tendencies. Be pure in your thoughts. Think God always. Think of the well-being of all. Be pure in your words; never utter harsh or unkind worlds. Be pure in body also and keep it clean and healthy. Keep your dress and surroundings clean. Observe the rules of physical, mental, moral and spiritual hygiene.