The three cornerstones upon which the temple of Hinduism has been built are self-control (brahmacarya), non-injury (ahinsa), and truthfulness (satyam). They are the source of all values, and refer to the three layers of our personality: physical, emotional and intellectual respectively. When these values are practised they enable us to master our mind, which leads to mastery over ourselves and the world around us.

Brahmacarya is an attitude of intelligent contact with the world. It does not mean a total denial of sense enjoyments, but only insists on not overdoing anything. When we live in self-control we discover in ourselves a renewed dynamism, and become pillars of strength in society.

Ahinsa does not simply mean non-killing or non-injury at the physical level. It is to be understood as a mental attitude regarding our relationships with others. Non-injury is the spirit that should dominate the realm of our motives. Our motives should be pure without any cruelty or hatred.

Satyam: when the experiences from the outer world have been well-churned in our mind and the intellect has come to a firm decision, we must have the honesty and conviction to act upon it. Thus, truthfulness enjoins us to live according to our intellectual convictions.

When a person has learned to live in perfect self-control, ever vigilant to gather knowledge from life’s experiences, practicing non-injury in his motives, and being truthful to his convictions, he becomes the chosen child of nature to be lifted to the top of the evolutionary ladder.

It is true no doubt, that there are only a few in society who practice these great principles, but those few grow to such a stature that they lead the world with an irresistible spiritual power. It is these people of heroic personality, with integrated head and heart, who will continue to guide humanity to new levels of spiritual evolution.