Over a hundred years ago, a teacher of alchemy and mystic philosophy wrote some basic rules , or lessons as he called them, for students to live by.  Here are a few of them(not direct or complete quotes):

• Lesson 1: Learn to cast away from thee all vile affections....and let all thy dealings be free from deceit and hypocrisy.
• Lesson 2: Keep yours and your neighbors secrets; seek not the favor of the rich; despise not the poor...
• Lesson 3: Give to the needy and unfortunate what you can spare; for he who has but little, whatever he spares to the miserable, God shall amply reward him.
• Lesson 4: Be merciful and forgiving to those who offend thee; for what shall the man's heart be who seeks revenge for a slight offense?  Thou shalt forgive thy brother until seventy times seven.

There are five others, but that is enough for one day.  These rules are all as valid and useful for those seeking spiritual enlightenment today as they were when written.  In our very materialistic time, these rules may seem harsh but the rewards for those who follow spiritual discipline are great.