Life Supreme — Page 40
LIFE SUPREME 43. Within ourselves we are but our own commanders. God has provided us with the guidance, given us the tools with which to forge our characters, and the promise of His help. It is for us to take command of ourselves, resist the forces of satan, purify ourselves through righteous behaviour and constantly seek the help of God through prayer. This is the great task we have to tackle while on this earth; and to keep on course we must stand at the wheel of selfcontrol as the captain stands at the wheel of his ship guiding it through tempestuous storms to its port of destination. . Self-control moulds the character of a happy life. 'He alone is happy who is free from hatred and malice and has his passions under control. ' (Bhagwad Gita). Self-control increases self-respect: 'Respect yourself or no one else will. ' (Proverb). Self-control also attracts respect: 'He who maintains self-respect is never degraded in the sight of others. (Hazrat Ali) 'Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances. ' (Thomas Jefferson). Self-control develops the virtue of all virtues - patience: (3:199) "O you who believe be patient and enjoin patience and be firm and fear God that you may prosper. ". Self-control fosters obedience without which no believer can make progress on the Right Path: '0 you who believe, obey God and obey the Apostle and those in authority among you. (4:59). Developing the art of self-control ranks among the highest and most rewarding of educations; but it should be remembered that the best instruction can only be of help to the extent to which it is put into practice. Self-control is not a gift but an accomplishment; and the secret of accomplishment is concentration which transmutes strong desires and mental visions into physical realities. We are the architects of our own souls and God is our Guide and Helper.