Life Supreme — Page 32
LIFE SUPREME 35 4. TRANQUIL SPIRIT. Peace of mind is an inner condition for which many yearn but few attain. Most people who are subjected to provocation manifest unrest and frustration to a lesser or greater extent. True peace of mind ingrains itself upon the character of an individual and is constantly reflected in his voice, carriage and movements of the body. It is a blissful and heavenly blessing which dwells within and colours the personality twenty four hours of the day. . The tranquil spirit is an attribute which can be developed and acquired by anyone who earnestly desires to possess it. The essential ingredients for success are prayer, mental attention, self-discipline, resolve and perseverance. They will propel the individual upwards in his flight towards his blessed goal; and soon he will experience a remarkable change within himself; but still he will not rest satisfied with these first fruits of progress. He will desire and strive for further advancement and will be on guard against the slightest deviations liable to unbalance his spiritual poise; and as he continues to progress, peace and serenity will take firmer control of his thoughts and actions until conscious attention is no longer required, it being replaced by second nature. . The person possessing peace of mind is not indifferent to sorrows and distress of life. He is acutely aware of them but he accepts them in a calm and philosophical manner and often an observer may fail to detect any sign of physical emotion. . Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, was very devoted to his first born daughter-Ismat. She fell ill and he watched over her with great care and love; but when she died he seemed to forget her completely. He had resigned himself to the decree of Allah. . On another occasion a false and malicious charge of murder was brought against him by some Christian missionaries. Their malevolence knew no bounds. Normally most men finding themselves under such circumstances would show clear symptoms of strain, fatigue and worry, yet all the while the Promised Messiah remained so cheerful, friendly and composed that no one could imagine that such a heavy charge hung over his head.