Text of the meditation
There is no nobler work or higher science than that of self-perfection. Let a person realise that life in its totality proceeds from the mind, and, behold, the way of blessedness is opened to them. For they will then discover that they possess the power to rule their mind, and to fashion it in accordance with their ideal.
So they will choose to walk, strongly and steadfastly, those pathways of thought and action that are altogether excellent; to them life will become beautiful and sacred; and, sooner or later, they will put to flight all evil, confusion and suffering; for it is impossible for anyone to fall short of liberation, enlightenment and peace who guards with unwearying diligence the gateway of their heart.
Whoever aims at the possession of a calm, wise and seeing mind engages in the most sublime task that a human being can undertake.
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.
