Text of the meditation
Blessed is the one who obeys the Truth; they will not remain comfortless. Disciple: What are the greater and the lesser powers? Master: Hear me again, O Disciple. Walking faithfully the path of discipline and purification, not abandoning it but submitting to its austerities, you will acquire the three lesser powers of discipleship; you will also receive the three greater powers.
And the greater and the lesser powers will render you invincible. Self-control, Self-reliance and Watchfulness: these are the three lesser powers. Steadfastness, Patience and Gentleness: these are the three greater powers. When your mind is well controlled and in your keeping; when you rely upon no external aid but upon Truth alone; and when you are ceaselessly watchful over your thoughts and actions, then you will approach the Supreme Light.
Your darkness will pass away forever, and joy and light will wait upon your footsteps.
James Allen (1864–1912), Book of Meditations for Every Day in the Year (1913) – public-domain text, gently modernised.
The original 1913 text is in the public domain.
