The article contains ten principles of wisdom that can lead us into greater light if followed. Principles of giving, controlling thought and speech, and maintaining an ethical lifestyle and a life of moderation. Here is where true wisdom can be found.
By Roberto Assagioli, translated by Annabritt Jakielski, Source: http://www.psicosintesi.it/it/pubblicazioni/rivista-psicosintesi/n-13-aprile-2010
We found this article by Assagioli in the archive of the house that was once his home and is now the headquarters of the Psychosynthesis Institute. We thought it appropriate to publish it, despite the old-fashioned language, as an opportunity for reflection for all of us. It contains a teaching about high morals and ethical values that we may or may not share, but which nevertheless presents us with our individual responsibility for what we do with our lives. As editors, we would appreciate receiving letters and comments on this article, so that there can be a constructive debate on the great themes of today’s people.
When we are overwhelmed by difficulties, when we are plagued by serious problems, when everything seems to go against our wishes and aspirations, instead of complaining and blaming things, people or circumstances, we can carefully read these ten Rules of Wisdom, which show us the way out of our difficulties and worries.
1. Know yourself.
Be aware of who you really are, what hides your being and your reason for living. The light that can enlighten you is within yourself, seek it in your heart, in your innermost and deepest being. Then you will know that the eternal and immortal God dwells there; a God who is yourself and who is at the same time infinitely wiser and more powerful than you are today. You are a Son, the manifestation of this Principle of Life that you find in your heart. Call Him by your favorite name and partake of His omnipresence, omniscience and omnipotence. The purpose of your present existence is to express the infinite possibilities that you hold within your innermost being.
2. Seek the source of everything you desire or seek within yourself.
Life is a constant manifestation “from within” and nothing is exempt from this law. Everything proceeds from and develops from the unseen before it is manifested in the visible world. In order for this to happen, you must first find the essence and substance of that which you seek within yourself and acknowledge it and make it yours in your innermost consciousness, that you may attract it in the outer world. Therefore, in this sense, you must learn concentration, in which you withdraw and isolate yourself from all external influences whenever possible. Set your mind on the highest thought you can conceive, on the highest ideal or principle of life that dwells within you, the reality of and source of all good. Think of all that you desire as “real”—as something inseparable from your being, already given to you by your own omnipotence. Your task, therefore, is simply to develop the ability to receive it and to make yourself a suitable source for its expression. Thank the Source of Life that dwells within you. Gratitude proves your faith, strengthens your hope, expresses your love, and opens the secret door to the treasures that await in the unseen world for those who know how to receive them.
3. Love your neighbor as yourself .
We may in our delusion believe ourselves separate from the Principle of Life and from the people, beings and things that surround us. But it is not so. We are all one with the One and with all beings, people and things that live and are. If life proves to be a struggle, we must learn the Law of Love; the one almighty and invincible force. All should seek to understand, to be filled with sympathy and learn to love all around us, even those who seem unworthy and whom we consider our “enemies.”
4. Be optimistic .
Joy and optimism must be the natural expression of the inner light that shines within us as the Source of all good. If this Light can shine in your face, nothing has the power to make you sad or shake you. Things have no value in themselves, but the way we see them and meet them has value. Furthermore, our inner vision and attitude have a decisive influence on circumstances and on the attitude of the people we meet, so in the end it depends entirely on our own choice.
5. Strive to give .
Strive constantly to give all the best you have and can give. Do not say that you have nothing to give, for your infinite inner Source will be expressed in accordance with your love and your willingness to give. Never be too poor or selfish when you give or share what you have with anyone, but learn to give freely as an expression of love, expecting nothing in return. Make giving your safety valve, which opens and shows you from within the infinite possibilities of good that lie latent in your being. Seek to develop them and make them useful, useful and fruitful. All this makes your life the tree whose roots are close to the source and who is ever thriving and bearing fruit, and whose leaves never wither. Sometimes an unexpected solution to your problem may lie in giving, inspired by true love, free from all thoughts of interest and personal gain.
6. Be your words .
In all words lies a latent principle, which is the creative power of that which the word expresses. This principle creates in the speaker—and is constantly creating—in its own image and likeness the character, the attitude of the person, the inner being, and the outer expression. The creative power shapes circumstances and attracts all that is of the same nature. Therefore, take upon yourself the obligation to reflect on what you are going to say and to avoid any expression that contains something you do not want to see in your life or an attitude you would not want for yourself.
7. Monitor your thoughts .
Consider every thought as a reality that you give power to control, namely the power to manifest in outer reality and to come forth. Then push away all thoughts of what you do not want, especially any evil thought or idea about anyone, all sad thoughts, thoughts of hatred, regret, revenge, desperation, boredom, illness, poverty, defeat, fear, hostility or death. Let your mind be like a clear, blue sky or a beautiful garden where only the most beautiful and precious flowers and plants grow.
8. Control your instincts .
Instincts are the foundation of the temple of your life, and by their very nature they will either strengthen and elevate it, or they will destroy it by making you their slave. Therefore, be temperate and sober in regard to food and the habits of your physical life. Eat slowly. In order for food to be the builder of your “temple,” all its particles must remain in the mouth until they are completely dissolved. Drink plenty of water, eat in moderation, avoid alcohol and food that comes from dead and suffering animals, and exercise restraint in stimulants. Wash your dishes every day, get enough sleep, but no more, learn to breathe slowly and deeply, and learn to master your body. Do not be carried away by vices that degrade it, or by passions that devour it and destroy the best traits of character. Love is too sacred to be profaned.
9. Trust the unseen .
Do not build your trust in external and material things. They can be lost, and you will lose them if it is necessary for your spiritual development. Know that all manifested things come from the unmanifested, which is the infinite and inexhaustible source from which they manifest in your life according to what you are conscious of. You will never think yourself alone or isolated, for the omnipotent Principle of Life that dwells within you is always with you and can never leave you—if you have absolute, unwavering, and unlimited trust in it. Only fear and uncertainty make you vulnerable.
10. Make use of your talents, be quiet and work .
Everything you own and have, both physical and spiritual, was given to you to use in the best possible way. Therefore, use the talents that have been given to you—your mental faculties and your property—as best you can for the good of yourself and those around you. Only in this way can they be multiplied, whereas if you hide, you will lose them. Do not speak more than necessary and try to prevent any tactlessness in your personal or intimate affairs and the confidentiality that has been shown to you. Always remember that SILENCE is necessary for the best result in everything you do, and that the strongest forces and wills operate in silence. Do not be lazy and inactive, waiting for a gain that escapes you. There is always something you can do beneficially for the people around you. Do it with love, considering yourself a servant of the Creative Intelligence that dwells within you, of which you are an expression, and with whom you have the privilege of collaborating so that your light may shine.
These rules must be followed to the letter. Any omission creates consequences of greater or lesser magnitude. If you follow them carefully and confidently, your life and your activities will take a new turn, and you will become a more and more perfect “channel” for the manifestation of the infinite possibilities of the Universal Life. Your personal life will have far-reaching consequences and will be guided with a sure hand on its journey towards the harbor of the Good, and a path of unlimited progress will open before you.
How to move forward
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Also read the article Psychosynthesis an Integral Psychology and the biography of Roberto Assagioli
Read the introductory article about integral meditation
