Life Supreme — Page 33
36. LIFE SUPREME. The person who possesses peace of mind never frets and fumes. . Loss of life, loss of wealth, loss of health, persecution, hardships, annoyances, disturbances and difficulties do not unduly upset him. . Although he is fully conscious of their impact, his demeanour remains calm and under personal control. . God tells us in the Holy Quran that He will cause man to undergo various afflictions in order that he may develop patience and steadfastness: "And We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives, and fruits. But give glad tidings to the patient, who when in misfortune overtakes them, say 'Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return'. (2: 156-157) >>. It is in times of affliction and inconvenience that a person is tested and given the opportunity of exercising and demonstrating the crown of virtues patience. The conquest of undesirable emotions is not an easy task. Blessed are they who succeed. There are people who are deemed by others to rank among the spiritual elite yet when provoked are quick to display impatience and anger, much to the bewilderment of their admirers. . The purpose of this article is to focus attention on the immense charm and value of the tranquil mind and to arouse the enthusiasm and aspiration of the reader to develop such a state of mind within himself; then to present some practical guide lines to help him on this enthralling journey to unclimbed heights of mental and spiritual development. . In order to avoid harm and succumbing to temptation, it is a great asset to be able to recognise early danger signals and then take the required precautions and safeguards. The gathering of dark clouds in the sky signals the approach of a storm. The traveller will look for shelter, the housewife will gather in her washing from the line and the shepherd will round up his flock. They all recognise the signs of an impending storm and prepare for the coming deluge. . It is extremely important that the person who is striving to develop the tranquil spirit be alert to every condition and occasion which is liable to cause him to act in a manner contrary and destructive to that spirit. He should be thoroughly acquainted with those daily events of