The Teaching of Hazrat Inayat Khan1
(Read the passage in context) |
Topic ArchetypesAstrologyAttainmentChakrasCharacterChristCompassionDervishDesire and renunciationDestiny and Free WillDimensionsDiscipleshipDreamsDuties and debtsEgoElementsGodGuidanceHealersHealingHealthHeartImmortalityInitiationLight and LoveLoversMagnetismMasteryMaterial lifeMeditationMessageMindPhysical BodyPlanesPoetsPowerPrayersPurposeReconstruction of WorldRelationshipsReligionsSaintsSchoolScientistsSexualitySleepSpeakingStagesStoriesSufismTeaching StyleVoiceWomenWorldWounds of the Heart | Sub-Topic Akhlak Allah 1Akhlak Allah 2Akhlak Allah 3And RealizationAnimal-like egoArt of PersonalityAttitude Toward Self, Vol. 4Attitude Toward Self, Vol. 6Attitude Towards OthersAwakeningCharacter HealingConfidenceCulture of the HeartDuty of HappinessFearless 1Fearless 2Grades of HumanityHarmonyIndifference and loveLeadershipLeave an Impression of GoodLife In This WorldMental PurificationMy Thoughtful SelfNo detachmentReward & punishmentRulesSelf-denialSigns of SpiritualitySoul QualitiesThe DomeViprit Karnai |
Vol. 4, Mental Purification1. Mental Purification3b. Attitude Toward SelfPurification of the mind therefore means to purify it from all undesirable impressions; not only of the shortcomings of others, but one must arrive at that stage where one forgets one's own shortcomings. I have seen righteous people who have accused themselves of their errors until they became error themselves. Concentrating all the time on error means engraving the error upon the mind. The best principle is to forget others and to forget ourselves and to set our minds upon accumulating all that is good and beautiful. There is a very significant occupation among the street boys in India. They take the earth from a certain place and they have a way of finding in that earth some metal such as gold or silver, and all day long their hands are in the dust. But looking for what? Looking for gold and silver. When in this world of imperfection we seek for all that is good and beautiful, there are many chances of disappointment. But at the same time if we keep on looking for it, not looking at the dust but looking for the gold, we shall find it. And once we begin to find it we shall find more and more. There comes a time in the life of a man when he can see some good in the worst man in the world. And when he has reached that point, though the good were covered with a thousand covers, he would put his hand on what is good, because he looks for good and attracts what is good. |