Life Supreme — Page 42
LIFE SUPREME 'But I will write of him who fights. And vanquishes his sins. . Who struggles on through weary years ,. Against himself and wins. (Caroline Bigelow le Row) 45. Life is a battle for the purification of the soul; and as rancour soils it with spiritual rust, it behoves all believers to grind to dust this serpent of satan. Let us take a look at those nine moods and emotions in which germinate the seeds of rancour. . RESENTMENT. Resentful thoughts towards others generate rancour in the heart. . There are many causes which give rise to thoughts of this nature. One may feel one has suffered a personal injury from an ill remark or a callous act; or one may feel displeased with the conduct or attitude of somebody. The result is that one's thoughts towards that person are always of an unfriendly nature. Thoughts of this kind create an obstruction in the development of purity and holiness of mind. . REVENGE. This evil propensity is resentment at its worst. It has been said: 'Revenge is the abject pleasure of an abject mind. ' (Juvenal). Revenge fires the mind with rancour. This devilish cancer must never be allowed to pervade the mind. It must be uprooted the instant it appears. How may one be successful in defeating this foe? A few valuable guide posts may help: 'The noblest revenge is to forgive. ' 2 (Handbook of Preaching by H. H. Boen) 'Forgiveness and a smile is the best revenge. (Samuel Palmer) 'When thou hast power of revenge, abstain from the power of taking it. " (Hazrat Ali). While being crucified, Jesus prayed for his tormentors: 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. ' (Luke 23:34). During the early years of Islam, the Muslims in Mecca had been cruelly persecuted by the idolaterous Meccans who had inflicted all kinds of inhuman treatment upon them. The Holy Prophet and his small band of devoted followers were compelled to migrate to Medina for sanctuary. Converts to Islam increased. The Holy Prophet