The thought pattern of the mystics.

Praise be to God, Who has enabled me to talk to you once again. I feel better, happier and strong again. I feel better, happier and stronger after my recent illness, which was termed by some as very serious, and by others, as a fatal malady, which threatened to cut short my days of life.

I find myself filled once again with an abundant supply of life’s creative forces. I have renewed vigour, vitality, force and enthusiasm, and may I say, that I have a desire to meet you, to talk to you, to exchange ideas and greetings with you.

I assure you, that during all this time, I was with you.It is true, that I was not with you physically. But it is equally true, that I was with you in thought. Thought often took me to distant lands, and far-off countries, where some of you live and work.

Thought travels at a tremendous speed, which no jet can compete with.

It was a pleasure for me, indeed, that thought took me to your doorstep.As soon as I entered in, I found some of you, sitting by the fireside, engaged in talk, and I found some of you seeing the television and enjoying the cricket match, or some feature or documentary film. I met some of you in a scented garden, where you had been for a stroll.

I met some of you, returning home after the day’s toil and trial, and narrating with some sense of satisfaction, the short and simple triumphs of the day. When you were narrating those tales of wonder and excitement, it appeared to me that you looked like a hero, or may I say, a conqueror, just returned from the battlefield after wining a victory over odds, just for a day.

I assure you, that each day is a life in itself, and if you make right use of the day, you make right use of life.

But, I am a little sorry to say, that I found some of you,who appeared to be dismayed, downcast, and desperate.

Why are they desperate: Why have they lost interest in life? Why have they lost zest for life? Why is life an endless agony, as a dark night to them? The reply is not far to seek. Their negative thoughts, like scorpions, are tormenting them. If they change the trend of their thinking. I am sure, they will be able to change their mode of life.

The fact is that, we have an outward life, and we have inward life. Our outward life is dependent upon our inward life. The saints and the mystics have emphasized the importance of a better type of inward life.

There can be no doubt,that outward life is a reflection of inward life.

The saints and the mystics first cleaned and purified their thought, in order to get a better and positive type of inward life, and they, thus, renewed a right spirit within.


“As you sow, so shall you reap.”

Is an old adage. Likewise, we can say that as you think, so you become. If you sow the seed of positive thought, you will reap a rich harvest of a better and nobler life.

The dominating thought habits of the mystics constitute the spirit of mysticism.

What the modern man has forgotten to his own detriment is the value of the art of positive thinking.

To a mystic, his positive thoughts are his best equipment. They are, in fact, a cause of inspiration and strength to him.

The principle of cause and effect governs our thinking also. If we think positively, we live happily. If we think positively, we live successfully. Our thinking makes us a conqueror or conquered. Positive thinking gives added energy, stamina and strength.

In other words, positive thinking will make our personality positive. giving us the joy of living, and giving others, at the same time, the benefit of our positive suggestions, But, if on the other hand, we have, unfortunately, allowed ourselves to be besieged by negative thoughts, we are not the only person to suffer, but others who come in contact with us also suffer. We make our life as well as the life of others, chaotic and miserable.

Negative thoughts lend a negative complex and colour to our life. They make our life a burden, and a source of private nuisance to others.

From what I have said above, it is evident that thought control is of vital importance.

Thoughts control implies self-control. Self -control implies self-discipline. Self-discipline means a trained mind, disciplined habits, self-respect, mutual-respect, self-knowledge, self-reverence, balanced judgement, harmony and the spirit of toleration.

Self-discipline points to the desire of an individual to rule over himself and to govern himself, which means, that he has come to assume the power of a sovereign, and now, he at last, wears the crown, studded not with diamonds and precious stones, but with the invaluable virtue of self mastery.

Self-mastery, let me tell you, implies a positive mental attitude, which is of great use and consequence. It is a trusted friend, a good companion, and a reliable guide.

The positive mental attitude is the creation of positive thoughts. Thoughts is important. It is said, that thought rules the world. Such being the case, it is necessary then, that we should cultivate positive thoughts.

Our positive thought is our humble contribution to the welfare, advancement, peace, prosperity and happiness of mankind.

The way to get a good life is to be armed with good thought. By good life is meant a life of virtue and happiness. Good thoughts imply positive thoughts.

Spiritual life is not merely the practice of penances and asceticism, but the cultivation of positive thoughts- thoughts of love,kindness, sympathy, and service.

Right thinking precedes right action. Right action precedes right living. Right living exhibits the spirit of compromise, thankfulness, gratitude, contentment, and above all, the spirit of self-control.

To give a good thought to someone is better than to offer him a precious gem.

A good thought is like the fragrance of a flower. It is capable of giving new dimension to our life.

A good thought is a grace and a blessing. We should welcome a good thought as we welcome a guest.

Man is responsible for his own misfortune. He himself invites trials and tribulations. He gets what he thinks. He reaps as he sows. His outward life is determined and planned for him by his inward life. Inward life is the result of his thoughts. If he holds the positive thoughts of courage, determination, cheerfulness, mercy, generosity, patience, perseverance, love, forgiveness and hope, he will exhibit the same qualities in his outward life.

On the other hand, if a person holds the negative thoughts of hatred, revenge and malice, he exhibits the same traits in his outward life.

The fact is that an individual becomes that upon which he concentrates most.

An individual’s self-image is carved out by his thoughts

The thoughts of fear and of illness, and , in fact, all negative thoughts are more dangerous than snakes and scorpions. They are like wild beasts, and as you know, we should keep ourselves from them at a safe distance.

People have fear of death, of loss of livelihood, fear of loss in business, fear of being criticized, fear of failure, and above all the fear of losing popularity and affluence.

Such fears are imaginary fears. they have no leg to stand upon. Once the thought of these fears is magnified and concentrated upon for long,they become a reality. such abnormal fears should be resisted.

Thought of illness is suicidal and dangerous. Health implies harmony. The negative thoughts disturb harmony, and bring about ill-health and physical trouble.

Those, who cherish and nourish negative thoughts for long,become peevish and are deprived of hope- hope for a better life, better living, better business and better time. Sometimes, it so happens that they meet a premature death.

Negative thoughts create excitement. The excitement, so caused, has a great bearing on life. Besides other things, like indigestion, insomnia, and rheumatism, the breathing becomes swift, with the result that life becomes short.

Health depends upon positive thoughts . What is health after all? Health is a delicate fabric. Health is harmony and adjustment. When the mind, body, spirit and soul work coherently, the result is health. Once, the harmony is disturbed, the result is illness.

Inner conflicts brings diseases. Our mind rules our body. Disease and health derive their source from our thoughts. Thought of disease leads to disease. Thought of health keeps us healthy. High blood pressure is a common disease,which is a creation of the age of Anxiety. Those who live in confrontation and tension, suffer from high blood pressure.

Tension is brought about by thought. Thoughts of resentment, revenge, malice and envy affect the body in such a way, that it is deprived of the power of resistance.

Thoughts of anxiety and worry sap the energy and render the body weak.

Thoughts of fear are just enough to shoot a man down. He does not require any bullet, or a sword to be wounded or killed.

Negative thoughts, impure thoughts, and selfish thoughts create blood poisoning.

Thoughts of fear, of doubt, of diffidence, and indecision do not give anything except pessimism, and loss of hope.

Hence, to be healthy and successful, it is necessary, that we first conquer fear, doubt and diffidence.

Guidelines

Positive thoughts give coherence and fundamental unity to life, with the result, that an individual, entertaining positive thoughts,leads a placid, calm and serene life. His life is not disturbed by outer distractions. He enjoys peace and tranquility of mind.

When the procession of life is orderly, marked by serenity and tranquility, then the powers which lie dormant and passive in an individual, become awakened and alive. He then receives intuition, inspiration and welcome manifestation. He begins to lead a creative life and living by which, not only he is benefited but others too derive benefit from his thoughts.

A person of positive thinking is like a bright lamp, shedding light all around.

If we have positive thoughts, we may not stop the tempest or avert the storm, but, we can at least, save the boat from being drowned.

Failure and success are the result of thought. Our thought pattern determines the pattern of our life. In other words, the pattern of our life is carved for us by our thoughts.

Achievement is the reward of concentrated positive thought. A well-directed thought, coupled with resolution, determination and perspiration, can secure for us our object, which we want to achieve.

If we sincerely desire a thing, we shall get it. If we aspire for a thing, we shall achieve it.

Happiness is an achievement. Good life is an achievement. But, they cannot be achieved without good and intense positive thoughts.

Our thoughts spin and weave the garment of our outer life. Outward life is a reflection of our inward life, and inward life is what it has been made by our thought pattern.

A man’s character is manifested in his thoughts. What his thoughts are, that is his character. What his character is, that he is, in fact.

Thus thought is destiny.

The mystics had their thoughts and attention ever fixed upon higher aims and objects, and better ideas and ideals.

It has been said that ” Resist not evil”. If we concentrate our thoughts on evil, then evil will be actualized and made real. So, as Tennyson says:

“Think well! Do well will follow thought, And in the fatal sequence of this world,An evil thought may soil thy children’s blood;But curb the beast that would cast thee in the mire, And leave the hot swamp of voluptuousness, A cloud between the Nameless and thyself.”

Our mind is a garden, and we are the gardener. Our life is a little Joint-Stock Company, and we are the Managing Director.

The thought forces mould and shape character. Man is a creative force and a power. Out of our thoughts,grow circumstances. Our thought-forces attract the things, that we most love and cherish.

With every good positive thought, there comes the seed of opportunity.

Opportunity changes circumstance.

The fact is,that an individual attracts that only, which he is.He does not attract that which he wants.

You may have read “Macbeth”,written by Shakespeare.

It is a famous tragedy.
Macbeth asks the question:

“Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased,
Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow,
Raze out the written troubles of the brain, And with some sweet oblivious antidote
Cleanse, the stuffed bosom of that perilous stuff Which, weigh upon the heart?”

And do you know what is the reply? It is :

“Therein the patient must minister to himself.”

People in modern times are asking the same question:

“canst thou not minister to a mind diseased?”

The answer is the same. It is obvious and simple. You must look to yourself. You yourself are your physician. You yourself are the architect of the edifice of your life. Do not look to external help. Help yourself. You alone can reform yourself. You alone can shake off your negative thoughts and replace them by positive thoughts.

Thus, thereby, you can have calm thoughts. Your positive thoughts will give you faith and a radiant personality.

They will stimulate your will, kindle your imagination, and inspire you with new ideas. They will give you a new hope and a reborn assurance. They will rekindle new aspirations.

Intelligence should be rightly used. That intelligence is best, which teaches us to avoid failure. Once we have learnt to rise above failures, we have unfolded a great mystery. Let us learn to avoid the things which lead to the narrow and deep pit of failure. You must not allow, then the loss of hope.

Feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, insecurity, anger, resentment, inferiority and indecision, should be resisted and overcome.

” Let each man learn to know himself. To gain that knowledge let him labour. Correct, those failing in himself Which he condemns, so in his neighbour.”

It has been said that a man is known by the company he keeps. If a person keeps company with feelings, which do more harm than good, he will be known as an embodiment and an emblem of those feelings. Thus, he will be known by his enemies more than by his friends, who are the feelings of love, tolerance, disinterested service and optimism.

The eminent French philosopher montaigne has very aptly said that:

” A man is not hurt so much by what happens as by his opinions of what happens.”

We may form any opinion that we may like. But, before we do so, we should realize our responsibility and the consequences.

Pure thoughts are necessary for self-awareness. Self-awareness is the hallmark of a trained mind and a cultured man.

Confrontation, in whatever shape or form or guise it may appear, is sure to deprive an individual of the sense of proportion and perspective. But, self-confrontation will be a dismal failure, if it is not factual and is not backed by sincerity.

Help comes from various sources, and it comes in different guises. It may assume the form of advice, or sympathy, guidance and encouragement. Advice and guidance date back from time immemorial. The doctor and the lawyer give professional advice to their patient and their client receptively. The spiritual guide extends specific advice to his spiritual disciples. The priest gives advice from the pulpit, and the politician exhorts the people from the platform. The expert in any field is also liberal in his advice.

But, the fact is that no amount of exhortation and advice and counselling and guidance and encouragement and sympathy will do you any good permanently, unless you yourself are willing and prepared to change your thought pattern and your feelings.

The mystics have controlled their thoughts. They do not allow their mind to wander. They do not allow the thoughts, that they do not like, to enter their mind. You can do the same.

Suggestions

Perhaps, you want to know, as to how you can change your thoughts, and how you can have vibrating, illuminating and inspiring positive thoughts, which will give you power to change the circumstance. Thoughts, which will serve as a soothing balm, protecting you from confrontation, and shielding you from tension, and the thoughts, which will give you the wings to fly.

The first and foremost thing is that you must know the method, which I prefer to call the Law of Substitution. Substitution is as important as discretion. Discretion means, that out of two things, one must pick up the one, and leave the other. It also means, that out of two situation, in which a person finds himself to be, he may prefer one to the other. Substitution means, that out of two things, one thing should be taken out and the other placed in its place.

Acting on the Law of Substitution, we should transmute any negative thought into its positive opposite thought.

Thus, thoughts of hate and dislike should be transmuted into thoughts of love and goodwill.

Thoughts of fear should be replaced by the thoughts of confident trust, and that of poverty into abundance, and that of evil into good.

Thoughts of egoism should be transmuted into the thought of altruism. Thought of selfishness should be replaced by the thought of kindness, and thought of revenge should be transmuted into the thought of forgiveness.

Thoughts of indecision and infatuation can be overcome by the exercise of discretion. The thought of vanity should be replaced by the thought of simplicity.

Once you have learnt to change the thought pattern, you have, indeed, discovered the fountain of happiness, bliss and peace, flowing within you. It requires an effort. Thus, you should try to transmute the thought of gloom into cheerfulness. Thoughts of anxiety and worry should be replaced by the inspiring thoughts of inner satisfaction and inner certainty.

The thought of anger should be replaced by the thought of self-control. The thought of cruelty should give place to the thought of mercy.

In short, negative thoughts and negative feelings should be replaced, dislocated or displaced by substituting their opposite.

The Law of Substitution helps us to entertain counter thoughts. When you are seized or besieged by tormenting thoughts, negative thoughts, negative feelings, and by the thoughts you do not want to entertain, then leave your bed, or your table or your room and go out to some garden, or to some park, or fountain, or to some place offering natural beauty. Enjoy the fresh air, and see the flowers smiling, and hear the birds, singing on the trees. you may walk or sit on the carpet of green grass.

You may also, on such occasions, engage yourself in some hobby, in which you feel deeply interested. You may play games or you may go out for boating. You may start reading a book of poetry, or some other book, or you may read some religious book. You may also begin to pray.
You may sing some beautiful song, or you may hear music.

Meditation is another way of driving out bad thoughts. Do one thing at a time, and have one thought at at time. Relax you body and mind.

Have a compartmental mind and open the cupboard of the mind, giving you good thoughts, and close the cupboard of the mind giving you bad thoughts, at your sweet will.

Take the Universe as your own, and love it, and also love the animals, and the birds, and love also the trees, the plants and the shrubs.

Do not be over ambitious. Curtail your desires. Try to have good company, good friends and good associates. Ignore the trifles of life. Do not be over sensitive. Do not feel too much. If yo do not feel, you will feel that nothing has happened

Avoid arguments and discussions. Concentrate your thoughts on lofty aims and ideals and higher pursuits. Be by yourself everyday for some time. Be interested in people, and in the environment, in which you live and work.

Let thoughts of happiness, prosperity, and progress, Divine Grace, thankfulness, and gratitude be your constant companions.

Do not concentrate upon an undesirable thought for long, and the thought will die out itself. Do not allow wandering thoughts to enter your mind, and once they have entered, do not allow them to stay in your mind. For this, it is necessary, that you should practise concentration. You may also have recourse to meditation.

Signposts

Latent power lies hidden within us. Let us discover it, find it, and seize it. We are capable of making our life interesting, successful, happy and useful. The saints and the mystics, by their precept and practice, have shown, that lofty, noble, illuminating and inspiring thoughts, can alone give peace of mind, so very necessary for a good life.

There flowed powerful waves of positive thoughts from the convent, monastery and retreat of the saints and the mystics, giving to and conferring upon the people, a positive approach to life and inner peace. Let the same flow from you, from your bedchamber, antechamber, and from your drawing room and dining room, rendering people better and richer, and making the world a happy heaven of repose.

Do not carry a heavy burden upon your shoulders. It will do you no good. Forget the burden of the worries of Yesterday. Ignore the cares of Tomorrow. Just learn to love int he Present.

In the interest of better living, in the interest of world peace, in the interest of social harmony, in the interest of universal brotherhood and fellow feelings, in the interest of world solidarity, and in the interest of national integration and friendly international relations, we should try to mould and shape our life in accordance with the pattern of life and thought of the saints and the mystics. Of course we can. And we must.


Suffering and sickness do not bind, Jolly and Gay, I myself find; The troubles around, I do not mind, I know, I know, god is Just and Kind.


This is a series of postings to come, on the subject of Sufi Mysticism. The postings will give in-depth knowledge in the complete world & ultimate sphere of Sufi spirituality. The postings are enlisted in Categories : ‘Sufi’s Spirituality’ (Tasawwuf )  & in ‘Tasawwuf ‘(Path  of Mysticism). Alternatively you can subscribe to our blog for updates.

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