Blueprint of Principles: Crafting a Harmonious Existence

Life, like the masterpiece of an outstanding architect, demands the coordination and harmony of every detail. Our fundamental life principles operate as steadfast rules, guiding our relationships with ourselves, with others, and with the external world. These principles are arranged in a clear hierarchy, where the physical gives way to inner strength and the soulful lays the foundation for spiritual development. This order helps us avoid chaos, for just as in creating an architectural blueprint every small detail must serve the overall idea without disrupting the grand design.

All our activities—from everyday tasks to lofty professional achievements—are based on established norms and rules. They become reliable benchmarks that ensure success in both the worldly and spiritual realms. A principled approach to life not only helps maintain inner discipline, but also builds strong, fruitful relationships with those around us. When certain norms conflict, it signals the need for revision—a sign that we must return to the central plan and adjust our course.

Thus, a clear understanding and adherence to rules built on deep spiritual, soulful, and physical harmony not only directs our actions, but also shapes a comprehensive worldview. A life infused with such principles transforms into a dynamic, coherent creative process where every step brings us closer to true success and inner balance.

What basic principles can be called the “rules of life” and how do they affect our behavior?
The fundamental principles that act as “rules of life” represent a system of interconnected convictions defining how our relationships with ourselves, with other people, and with the external world should be organized. These principles can be seen as a foundational hierarchy in which the physical should be subordinate to the soulful, and the soulful to the spiritual. In one source, it is stated:

"Indeed: the bodily must be subordinate to the soulful, the soulful to the spiritual, and the external to all of these. These rules must stand firm and promote mutual benefit. If a rule in one area interferes with another, it is a clear sign that it is not in its proper form and should either be abolished or amended. And truly, the one who rises to contemplate the entire structure seldom errs in choosing a rule and setting its measure. Just as, for a skilled architect or painter, the measure of one part often serves as guidance for constructing the entire plan of a house or the human figure—so it is with these rules. The builder does not allow anything to deviate from the overall plan and style. This is the art of rule-making. The ultimate goal is the spirit, which must be in God. The totality of such rules composes the statute of ascetic practice. Since asceticism corresponds to forms of true Christian life—and Christian life exists in two forms, the social and the monastic—there must be a general statute as well as a specific monastic one."
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Thus, these principles imply that every part of our life must harmoniously fit into the overall design, just like a skilled architect ensuring that no detail disrupts the general style or plan. When some rules begin to contradict each other, it serves as a signal for their review and adjustment.

Moreover, a person's behavior is largely determined by the norms and rules deeply ingrained in society and individual worldviews. One text notes that in every sphere of life there are established rules, and it is precisely their observance that guarantees success both professionally and spiritually:

"Man is not only corrupted by sin and passions, he is also very fickle and changeable. In every earthly occupation and every profession, there are rules without which success can never be achieved. And if we examine closely, we will see that only those who adhere to these rules succeed in business or professional matters on earth. Likewise, for us Christians, there are rules without which it is impossible to succeed in spiritual life."
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Thus, a life guided by clearly defined principles gains structure and coherence. These “rules of life” not only shape our worldview but also practically influence our actions, directing personal growth, strengthening social ties, and facilitating success in all areas of existence. Adherence to such principles becomes an integral part of life’s discipline, helping to avoid chaos and unjustifiable deviations in behavior.

Supporting citation(s):
"Indeed: the bodily must be subordinate to the soulful, the soulful to the spiritual, and the external to all of these. These rules must stand firm and promote mutual benefit..." (source: link )

"Man is not only corrupted by sin and passions, he is also very fickle and changeable. In every earthly occupation and every profession, there are rules without which success can never be achieved..." (source: link )