Life Supreme — Page 55
58. LIFE SUPREME admirers; but when they are provoked their countenances quickly flush with anger and unexpected harsh and bitter words fall from their lips causing bewilderment and frustration to those who held them in high esteem. . Whereas anger is justified on certain occasions, it should be held under control and not allowed to run wild. As the rider guides and controls the swift horse on which he sits so should one be master of one's anger directing it and halting it as necessary. A practical aid in holding back anger is: "When angry, count to ten before you speak. ' (Thomas Jefferson). Anger, peevishness, resentment and all other negative moods throw off vital energy at a terrific rate, reducing one to a state of physical and mental weakness; even to nervous prostration. Every thought or action that is not calm wastes energy and throws one out of poise which is not conducive to spiritual development. Excitement is weakness; calmness is strength; and yet greater strength is energetic repose wherein the system is charged with energy and emotion but at the same time held under perfect control. It is the combination of these two forces which is so essential for the development of spiritual poise. Poise generates and projects magnetism. Irritability saps the body of its energy which could better be used and directed along some useful channel. The test of true greatness is to remain composed when it is difficult to refrain from flying into a disagreeable mood. . Irritability is a creeping cancer of the mind, heart and soul which, if not checked, will leave its victim spiritually prostrate. . The nagging wife and the quarrelsome husband make a pair of demons. It is said that women are more emotional than men but sometimes it appears to be vice-a-versa. The poor wife sobs silently while her blustering and intemperate husband excoriates her with his double edged tongue. . The Promised Messiah once said: 'It seems highly disgraceful that we being men should quarrel with women. ' (Character Sketch of the Promised Messiah). The Promised Messiah was a paragon of gentleness and forbearance. His domestic life reflected the peace of heaven. Tranquility and concord coloured the atmosphere of his home and never did