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Chapter 7 -- Serenity
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CALMNESS of mind is one of the beautiful
jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and
patient effort in self-control. Its presence is an
indication of ripened experience, and of a
more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and
operations of thought.
A man becomes calm in the measure that he
understands himself as a thought evolved
being, for such knowledge necessitates the
understanding of others as the result of
thought, and as he develops a right
understanding, and sees more and more
clearly the internal relations of things by the
action of cause and effect he ceases to fuss and
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fume and worry and grieve, and remains poised, steadfast, serene.
The calm man, having learned how to govern himself, knows how to adapt himself to others; and
they, in turn, reverence his spiritual strength, and feel that they can learn of him and rely upon
him. The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for
good. Even the ordinary trader will find his business prosperity increase as he develops a greater
self-control and equanimity, for people will always prefer to deal with a man whose demeanour is
strongly equable.
The strong, calm man is always loved and revered. He is like a shade-giving tree in a thirsty land,
or a sheltering rock in a storm. "Who does not love a tranquil heart, a sweet-tempered, balanced
life? It does not matter whether it rains or shines, or what changes come to those possessing these
blessings, for they are always sweet, serene, and calm. That exquisite poise of character, which we
call serenity is the last lesson of culture, the fruitage of the soul. It is precious as wisdom, more to
be desired than gold--yea, than even fine gold. How insignificant mere money seeking looks in
comparison with a serene life--a life that dwells in the ocean of Truth, beneath the waves, beyond
the reach of tempests, in the Eternal Calm!
"How many people we know who sour their lives, who ruin all that is sweet and beautiful by
explosive tempers, who destroy their poise of character, and make bad blood! It is a question
whether the great majority of people do not ruin their lives and mar their happiness by lack of
self-control. How few people we meet in life who are well balanced, who have that exquisite poise
which is characteristic of the finished character!
Yes, humanity surges with uncontrolled passion, is tumultuous with ungoverned grief, is blown
about by anxiety and doubt only the wise man, only he whose thoughts are controlled and
purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him.
Tempest-tossed souls, wherever ye may be, under whatsoever conditions ye may live, know this
in the ocean of life the isles of Blessedness are smiling, and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits
your coming. Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought. In the bark of your soul reclines
the commanding Master; He does but sleep: wake Him. Self-control is strength; Right Thought is
mastery; Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, "Peace, be still!"
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Visions and Ideals | Serenity
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