Text of the meditation
Whoever enters upon the holy way begins by restraining their passions. What the saints, sages and saviours have accomplished, you may likewise accomplish if you will only tread the way they trod and pointed out, the way of self-sacrifice, of self-denying service.
Truth is very simple. It says, "Give up self," "Come unto Me" (away from all that defiles), "and I will give you rest." All the mountains of commentary that have been piled upon it cannot hide it from the heart that is earnestly seeking righteousness. It does not require learning; it can be known in spite of learning.
Disguised under many forms by erring, self-seeking people, the beautiful simplicity and clear transparency of Truth remains unaltered and undimmed, and the unselfish heart enters into and partakes of its shining radiance. Not by weaving complex theories, not by building up speculative philosophies, is Truth realised; but by weaving the web of inward purity, by building up the Temple of a stainless life, is Truth realised.
Saintship is the beginning of holiness.
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.
