Spiritual prescriptions - Formulas to Improve the Soul Profile

Sattchittaananda: The soul characteristics, (Absolute Existence -Absolute Knowledge)

Satt means ‘truth or knowingness’

Chitta means ‘conscious based’

Ananda means ‘bliss or inner happiness’

The soul in Vedic description is described as Sattchittaananda. People in touch with their soul speak the truth, take consciousness-based decisions and experience inner happiness. 

The great rishis of India have described a formula of how to be in touch with your soul and get inner happiness. The formula is based on three questions to be asked to yourself before performing any action

1.         Is it the truth?

2.         Is it consciousness based?

3.         Will it give happiness?

If the answer to all three is ‘yes’, go ahead. In other words, if the answer to any of the three is “no”, do not perform that action.

Later on, many dharma groups modified this formula for their own use.

1.         Buddha’s Law of Action summarizes these questions as:

·        Is it the truth?

·        Is it necessary?

·        Will it bring happiness to me?

·        Will it bring happiness to others?

If the answer to any of the questions is, no, then do not do that action.

2.         Buddha’s Law of Speech summarizes the questions as:

·        Is it the truth?

·        Is it necessary?

·        Is it kind?

If the answer to any of the question is ‘no’, then do not speak.

3.    The Rotary four-way test comprises of:

·        Is it the truth?

·        Is it fair to all concerned?

·        Will it build goodwill and better friendship?

·        Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

If the answer to any of the answer is ‘no’, then do not perform that deed.

4. Formula of three H: Head, Heart and Hand:

            Before doing any action ask your head for the choices. Then listen to the heart to give you the best consciousness-based advice and finally order the hand to do the action.

5. The formula Satyam Shivam Sundaram is based again on three questions: Is it the truth; is it God (consciousness-based); and is it going to build my inner beauty (happiness). 

6. ‘May I help you?’ is another formula given in Srimad Bhagwat where once you agree to help, you end up with truth, tapa of hard work, purity of mind and daan or charity.