As A Man Thinketh

Mind is the Master-power that moulds and makes, And Man is Mind, and evermore he takes The tool of Thought, and, shaping what he wills, Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills: -- He thinks in secret, and it comes to pass: Environment is but his looking-glass.

The booklet, "As A Man Thinketh", by James Allen is a beautiful, thought provoking and inspirational exploration of the power of mind. Allen offers that through thoughts, people make themselves. By virtue of the thoughts people choose and encourage they are the master weavers of both the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance.

"As a man thinks in his heart, so he is in his being." This statement captures the essence and substance of the ultimate power each person possesses and employs, for good or for ill, to shape life, guide the journey and ultimately fulfill one's destiny. Thought is the seed from which the harvest springs.

"As a being of Power, Intelligence and Love, and the lord of his own thoughts, man holds the key to every situation, and contains within himself that transforming and regenerative agency by which he may make himself what he wills."

Through seven brief chapters Allen eloquently reveals to the reader a truth hidden in plain sight - we control the circumstances we confront; we fashion from thought the substance of our experience. A person need only choose the right thoughts to manifest a reality of peace and joy and achievement.

An individual aspiring to a life different from current experience can reshape his or her world by disciplining thought. Like an athlete trains the body to perform with peak efficiency and precision, a person can train his or her mind. Strength of mind is developed by effort and practice. One must first believe that training the mind is possible, but once this possibility is accepted the individual can add, "effort to effort, patience to patience, and strength to strength..." Through a commitment to master thought the individual develops and grows divinely strong. Mastering thought opens life to limitless possibility.

Allen suggests unnervingly that personal responsibility is absolute. Where people tend to blame others, the reality is the oppressor and oppressed are co-conspirators in ignorance. While each seems to afflict the other, in reality they afflict themselves. 'A perfect love sees the suffering of both states; a perfect compassion embraces both oppressor and oppressed.' Only the one who has conquered weakness and accepts responsibility for life is truly free.

"A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts." Allen truly gives us something to think about.

Copyright (c) 2011 Scott F Paradis

About the Author:
Scott F. Paradis, author of "Promise and Potential: A Life of Wisdom, Courage, Strength and Will" http://www.promiseandpotential.com publishes "Insights" available for free at http://www.c-achieve.com

As A Man Thinketh

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