Saturday, 23 October 2021

IN PRAISE OF JAMES ALLEN

 

IN PRAISE OF JAMES ALLEN

James Allen was a most famous British writer , known for his philosophical books  whereby he inspired and motivated millions of readers all over the world. 

He was born in the United Kingdom on 28th November 1864 and passed away on 24th January 1912.

His books have become classics and are all time-hot cakes. “From Poverty to Power” is on the realisation of prosperity and peace. “All These Things Added” contains the bread of life in abundant measure for all who hunger for spiritual food.  The reading of the book lifts and elevates, and raises one from the worries and cares of everyday life to think of higher aims. “Byways of Blessedness” expounds those right states of mind, and wise modes of action which, when adopted under trying circumstances, bring about results of fruitful blessedness. “The Eight Pillars of Prosperity “ is for business and commercial men, and for men and women who are anxious to achieve an honourable success in the various pursuits of life. “Light on Life’s Difficulties” sheds light on material and spiritual values and shows the way of wisdom.

For his “Book of Meditations” has been truly called the Prophet of Mediation.  Here, in an age of strife, hurry, religious controversy, heated arguments, ritual and ceremony, he comes with his message of Meditation, calling men away from the din and strife of tongue into the paths of stillness within  their own souls, where “the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world ” ever burns steadily and surely for all who will turn their weary eyes from the strife without to the quiet within. “

One of his greatest books is As a Man Thinketh dealing with the power of thoughts and their applications .

In the Foreword to his book The Life Triumphant, James Allen says “Every being lives in his own mental world; his joys and sorrows are the creations of his own mind, and are dependent upon the mind for their existence. In the chapter “Man The Master” in this book, he writes: “Man is fitted for conquest, but the conquest of territory will not avail; he must resort to conquest of self. The conquest of territory renders man a temporal ruler, but the conquest of self makes him an eternal conqueror.”  “Man is destined for mastery ; not the mastery of his fellow-men by force, but the master of his own nature by self-control is the crown of humility. He is man the master who has shaken off the service of self for the service of Truth, who has established himself in the Eternal Verities. He is crowned, not only with perfect manhood, but with divine wisdom. He has overcome the disturbances of the mind and the shocks of life.  He is superior to all circumstances.  He is the calm spectator, but no longer the helpless tool, of events. No more sinning, weeping, repenting mortal, he is a pure, rejoicing, erect immortal. He perceives the course of things with a glad and peaceful heart; a divine conqueror, master of life of death.”      

      Another important book by James Allen is “The Divine Companion” which is the history of his own spiritual life. As a commentator puts it,  here one may, if he has  the spiritual insight, trace  James Allen’s  footsteps from the first glimmer of the Great Light that broke over his soul.

     Luckily, Most of James Allen’s  books are still available all over the world. They are worth reading by all those who want to live a highly  motivated and inspired life.

                                                *************

23rd October 2021                                                                    G. R. KANWAL

No comments:

Post a Comment