Thoughts have the power to define and shape our lives. It depends on one's thoughts, whether one rises above the limitations of the mind or entangles in it. The power of thoughts can uplift one or be the reason of one's descend. Our thoughts determine if we will be able to swim against the flow of currents or will allow ourselves to be swept away with them. If one manages to keep himself away from a declinatory path, it is because of the supreme power of his thoughts.
Imagine a situation where a stranger arrives at a shop when the shopkeeper has gone out for a few moments on some urgent work. The stranger may be tempted to take some money from the cashbox. As soon as he extends his hand towards the cashbox, a thought is sure to strike is mind that tells him that what he intends to do is stealing and it is immoral.
Another man who is on a vow to fast at night finds the eatables very inviting. His mind vacillates and he decides to eat something. But as he stretches his hand, his stream of thoughts gives him a jolt. Realizing that he has to keep his vow in all honesty and sincerity, he decides to not eat and hence withdraws his hand.
If our deeds depended on others watching us, it is falsity. It is not a vow at all, it might appear to be one. It should be borne in mind that thoughts are the arsenal of life. The weapons stored in it can protect us if used properly; they can blow us up if used haphazardly. So is it with thoughts.
Thoughts play an important role in defining a man's destiny. The power and magnitude of thoughts are greater, stronger and more extensive than that of electric current, that of atom bombs. After all, it was thoughts that led man to discover them. Thoughts wield great power; hence one should exercise care on how thoughts develop. Just as with any idea and process, thoughts can also be put to good or bad use. Noble thoughts uplift a man whereas evil thoughts degrade him.
It is my sincere advice to everyone who wishes to tread the sublime path, to harbor nothing but noble thoughts in the treasure house of his or her mind. Because if evil thoughts find a way into your mind, they stay there for long and it would be difficult to banish them. If evil thoughts are allowed into the soil of mind, they would keep on drawing water and their roots would develop a stronger hold over a period of time. When the roots go deeper, the tree of evil thoughts becomes a permanent fixture. It becomes difficult to uproot it. Thus, entertain only noble thoughts in your mind.
A man's character cannot be assessed by his appearance, his caste or his complexion. It is his thoughts that reveal how noble and true he is. The dictum "like thoughts like character" is the touchstone that can assess man. The wealth of thoughts comes to your aid in joyous occasions as well as dismal days.
