Life Supreme — Page 44
LIFE SUPREME "The proud will be gathered together on the Day of Resurrection like seeds in the form of men. Disgrace shall surround them from every place. (Holy Prophet) 23 "Your vices of which you are ashamed are better than your virtues of which you are proud. " (Hazrat Ali) "I say truly that on the Day of Judgement arrogance shall be regarded as the greatest calamity next only to ascribing partners to God. It is an affliction that humiliates a man in both the worlds. (Promised Messiah) 47. Pride is such a subtle power that even good and noble people are often unaware that they are showing it. Constant self-surveillance is essential. When judging others-and even oneself-it should be kept in mind, however, that there is a clear distinction between personal dignity and pride. The former is wholesome self-respect. . DISLIKE. One may dislike certain attitudes, mannerisms, characteristics and habits of a person; but one should not harbour animosity. This rule in moral philosophy has been summarised: "Hate no one; hate their vices. Not themselves. " (Brainard). A believer seeks to win the pleasure and love of God. He desires to reflect the light of heaven. He yearns for peace of mind in a troubled world. Where there is animosity there is rancour; and this feeling burns within the heart like a destructive fire. It is incompatible with the spirit of holiness. Rancorous thoughts towards others pollute the heart with satanic poison. Blessed is he who is a master of his thoughts. . JEALOUSY. Jealousy is fuel for rancour. Its deadly venom devitalizes the soul of spiritual magnetism and hinders the cultivation of the same heavenly power. It is an emotion which assails everyone from time to time to a lesser or greater extent. It is an emotion which is extremely hard to prevent entering into the heart; and also to extinguish once it has taken flame. The Bible says: "Jealousy is cruel as the grave; the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. " (Song of Solomon; 8:6). Love and jealousy often go hand in hand, for where there is love there is also jealousy. But love and jealousy enter the heart uninvited.