 |
|
Peace of mind is soul’s
sun WHEN I was passing through a bleak period of my life (because of my own blunders and follies like most wayward youths), my father made me sit beside him and said, "Write down five things you need most." I did. He went through them at a glance, raised his eyebrows, and commented, "You have omitted the most important — peace of mind." At that rash and irrational age, I dismissed his words as those of a parent who did not understand his growing son. Today, at 67 years of age, I regret that I did not take him seriously. He went on: "This is not my opinion. I am merely paraphrasing the wisdom of philosophers. I am merely their mouthpiece. One has said, ‘Heap worldly gifts at the feet of foolish men. Give me the gift of the tranquil mind." Some of his words have remained with me. I am grateful for them. At that time I found his words difficult to accept; but now, after years of experiencing and back-stabbing and ingratitude, at different points in my life. I have come to understand that peace of mind is the real goal of life. I know now that worldy
possessions do not add up to peace of mind. On the contrary I have seen
inner tranquility flourish in the absence of wealth or even health. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
We show contempt for ourselves. Our feelings of inferiority, for instance, how often do we attribute superior qualities to others. We exaggerate their abilities, and think ourselves inferior. The problem we do not look beyond the surface when we deal with other people. If we could look deeper and see that all men and women bear the scars of many a lost battle, we would judge our own failures less harshly. We ill ourselves. Suicide, drug addiction and promiscuity are proof of this. Remember that there are those who love and honour you for what you really are. Take off your dark glasses, assume your place as an equal in the adult world, and realise that your strength is adequate to meet the problems of the world. We are a combination of strengths and weaknesses. We have the power to grow, learn new skills, engage in new kinds of work, devote ourselves to new causes, make new friends. We must learn to accept that we are capable in some areas but have limitations, that genius is rare and that mediocrity is the destiny of most. However, we can and must improve ourselves. If you want to grow, associate with someone who knows more than you do. If you associate with spiritual, intellectual and emotional pigmies, you will begin to reflect those attributes. The choice is yours. This attitude gives inner strength. He who is sure of himself is willing to let others be themselves. We love truly when we cease to demand that our loved become a replica of ourselves. A deep feeling of self-distrust may lead to physical ailments. A gamut of illnesses can often be traced to mental rather than physical troubles. The person who often suffers nervous breakdowns may, at heart, be yearning for love and respect. Many are engaged in a marathon race for success which is the source of many breakdowns and premature deaths. Peace of mind is the sun of the soul;
jealousy its eclipse. The obstacles to serenity are not external. They
lie inside us. |
 |
 |
