WisdomLeads #1: As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

Have you ever observed what you think all day long? What kinds of thoughts dominate your mind all day long? To which categories do these thoughts belong? Are they all good thoughts or bad thoughts? What is the impact of all these thoughts on your mind and your character? Can you change these thoughts the way you want? Can you force, direct or control these thoughts to be what you want?

I think James Allen was one of those writers who tried to answer all the above questions on power of thoughts on human mind in his much acclaimed book, “As a Man Thinketh” which started the rhythm of the self help moment. “They themselves are makers of themselves,” was the message that he emphasized in this book which transformed lives of millions of people including me.  And who knows that the next one could be yours?

Though slimmest in looks with 34 pages long, the book written in aphoristic style contains wisdom tapped in immense form. As the title suggests, the books is on the power of thoughts in man’s life. Divided in seven chapters, the book begins with the impact of thoughts on human character and explains in the end how these powerful thoughts can help in realizing one dreams and attainment of ‘ calmness of mind’ which is ‘one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.’

Chapter1: Thought and Character

Allen says in this chapter that a man is byproduct of his thoughts. What he thinks, so is he and that reveals his character. As a plant cannot grow without a seed, so are actions in man’s life are the result of his ‘hidden seeds of thought,’ be it his spontaneous acts or unpremeditated acts. In fact, he says that the acts are just the result of his thoughts and joy and suffering in one’s life are the fruits of his thoughts. So, he reminds us of this old adage what you sow, so shall you reap. And thus, he advises us to sow the seeds of good thoughts in the garden of our mind so that we can reap the harvest in the action form and be the master of our own destiny.

“If a man’s hath evil thoughts, pain comes on him as comes the wheel the ox behind…If one endure in purity of thought, joy follows him as his own shadow-sure.”

Explaining that a man’s growth is the result of law of cause and effect, he says that a noble and Godlike character is the result of noble and great thoughts and an ignoble character is the result of his own ‘continued harbouring of groveling thoughts.’ Thus in the armoury of a man’s thoughts are the weapons which could either destroy him or there are tools with the help of which he can build for himself the ‘heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace.’ So, a man has available all his weapons and tools which can either make him or destroy him. It is with him the power of his own creation and his own destruction.

“-that man is the master of thought, the moulder of character, and the maker and shaper of condition, environment, and destiny.”

Moving further, he says that with his power of thought, man has key to solve all his problems. He has with him that ‘transforming and regenerative agency by which he may make himself what he will.’ Even a weaker man through experience, self analysis and deep reflection  when finds the power of his own though in his life, such a man then becomes the conscious master of his thoughts and governs his thoughts which leads him to the finding of mines of gold and diamonds latent in his own soul and such a man when digs deep finds the immense wealth of Understanding, Wisdom and Power within.

“ He that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Allen says that “only by patience, practice, and ceaseless importunity can a man enter the Door of the Temple of Knowledge.”

So from today on wards just try to watch your thoughts and see what the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, and Frank Outlaw say

“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”