As a Man Thinketh

by Sam Torode

The choice is yours: either master your mind to create the life you want, or remain mired in frustration and failure.

Mind is the master power that molds and makes; We are mind, in one of the guises it takes. Taking the tool of thought, we sculpt what we will, Shaping our lives for good or ill. We think in secret, and it comes to pass; The world is our reflection—the mind’s looking-glass.

Thoughts in the mind determine your course, Steering your life for better or worse. If you dwell on thoughts that are petty and unkind, Pain will follow you as the ox’s plough—behind. But dwell on thoughts that are noble and pure, And joy will follow you as your own shadow—sure. —adapted from a saying of the Buddha

“Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened.”

by changing your thoughts, you can indirectly reshape your circumstances. As you change your attitude towards things and other people, they will change towards you. Gates that were previously locked will open; people will be eager to help you. New opportunities will spring up at every turn.

You will be what you will to be. Only failure seeks contentment In that alibi, “environment.” The strong mind soars above, free. It masters time, conquers space, Outwits that trickster, Chance; It takes the crown from Circumstance, And puts it in a servant’s place. Your inner will, that unseen force, Offspring of mind and soul, Can forge a path to any goal, And conquer anything in its course.

What if you are a young student, or are waiting for inspiration, and don’t yet have a central purpose in mind? Start by focusing on the task at hand—whatever duty is before you at school, work, or home. Concentrate on doing your job as well as you can, however insignificant it may seem. This will develop and expand your ability to take on greater goals in the future.

To begin to think with a purpose in mind, laying aside distractions and daydreams, is to enter the ranks of the successful—those who learn from their failures, find the advantage in every circumstance, think strongly, dare fearlessly, and act masterfully.

As you think, so you are. As you are, so you act. As you act, so you attract.

Successful people put off gratification. They conceive goals, create plans, and execute those plans. They act independently, on their own initiative. They master their minds, and so master their circumstances.

Even the average person will benefit from taking their first steps in tranquility. In business and all other relationships, people prefer a calm, even-keeled partner. The more peaceful a person becomes, the greater their success and influence. Others will trust them, be drawn to them, and lean on them in times of trouble.

What a joy it is to meet a person who exudes serenity. They stand strong and firm as a deeply-rooted, shade-giving tree. Through all kinds of weather, they comfort, encourage, and inspire all who come into their presence. The winds and storms of life cannot topple them.

Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you are, whatever your current circumstances, know this: in the ocean of life, there are isles of blessedness. The sunny shore of your ideal vision awaits you. Keep your hand firmly on the helm of thought. All that you need is within yourself. Awaken your powers! Self-discipline is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is confidence. Say to your heart, “Peace, be still.”