Eighteen Guidelines for a Simple Life

Xuefeng

June 7, 2025

A simple life is suited only for those who fix their gaze on heaven and walk the path toward it. Ignorant people, worldly people, mortals, and even sages still pursue earthly pleasures: “Drink today’s wine today!” — let them indulge as they wish.

For a person, if one can avoid life’s traps, stay healthy and peaceful, and smoothly reach life’s final station without disaster or harm—that is already the greatest success in life. And if along the way one can also experience joy, freedom, and happiness—then that is great fortune indeed. One should give thanks to heaven, to the earth, and to all LIVES.

The most effective way to avoid traps and live in peace is to simplify life to the greatest extent. Below are Eighteen Guidelines for a Simple Life — see if you can follow them:

1.Food: Three essentials—plain boiled water, pickled vegetables, and steamed cornbread (made from cornmeal, not any other kind). Do not deliberately seek other foods.

2.Clothing: Two shirts, two pairs of pants, two pairs of shoes and socks, two pairs of underwear, one set of winter clothing. Do not wear necklaces, earrings, or rings. Clothing should be comfortable, well-fitting, and warm. Reject all brand-name goods.

3.Housing: Seek only brightness, cleanliness, good ventilation, and quiet. As long as you can lie down comfortably, it is enough. One table, one stool, one bed, and one chest or suitcase will suffice.

4.Utensils: “Plain and clean utensils surpass gold and jade.” Use what is practical, not what is luxurious. If a bowl or cup is chipped but still usable, continue using it—perfection is unnecessary.

5.Work: As long as you have food, clothing, and shelter, do the work you enjoy. Do not seek high salaries, high returns, or high positions.

6.Social relationships: Relate to others calmly and plainly. Do not form deep attachments. Do not join cliques. Do not become anyone’s sworn companion. Do not join any organization.

7.Money: Do not borrow money from others, nor lend money to others. This will spare you future worries and troubles.

8.Marriage: Do not marry. Remain single for life.

9.Helping others: If others do not ask for your help, do not impose it. If you need help, seek it from the Greatest Creator.

10.Officials: Do not flatter or curry favor with any officials at any level. Never sing the praises of government officials.

11.Gains: Do not take even the smallest advantage of anyone. If a sudden opportunity arises that seems too good to be true—refuse it. Simply cultivate your own modest field.

12.Giving: Give and contribute when you can, but never ask or demand anything in return.

13.Sexual relations: Do not engage in sexual relations with anyone whose soul has not been purified.

14.Judgment: Refrain from commenting on worldly affairs. Do not judge anyone.

15.Conduct: Do not gamble, use drugs, steal, or engage in speculative activities.

16.Desires: Do not seek fame or fortune. Do not pursue great wealth, status, or the admiration of others. Do not seek high office or grand titles.

17.Favors: Favors are not debts—but in difficult times, you may be forced to sell your essentials to repay them. To avoid such hardship, do not incur emotional debts.

18.Death: After death, let your soul ascend to heaven. Leave no ashes, no remains, and no earthly attachments.

These are the Eighteen Guidelines for a Simple Life. If you can follow them, you will avoid most of life’s traps, smoothly reach life’s final station, and then set forth toward heaven.