Book Review: As A Man Thinketh by James Allan

This book¹ discusses the power of thought.

Reading the Book¹

We will review this short book chapter by chapter.

1: Thought and Character

All our acts begin as thoughts in the mind. Right application of thought leads to positive outcomes in our life and elevated spirits and spirituality. Negative thoughts lead to degraded states of being. Thoughts are part of the mechanisms of transmutation and regeneration.

The laws of thoughts are discovered by much inner study.

2: Effect of Thought on Circumstances

One’s daily thoughts shape one’s life. Chance does not exist in our life; it is a product of our thinking. Alignment of thoughts with desire or intent is critical fo providing the power to bring them to fruition. Systematic introspection and self-analysis. are critical tools for achieving the control of our lives that we desire.

Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.

3: Effect of Thought on Health and the Body

Positive thoughts increase a body’s good health. A defiled mind defiles the body and impairs its health.

4: Thought and Purpose

Establish purpose and focus your thoughts on it until achieved. It is important to keep thoughts of doubt and fear at bay.

5: The Thought-Factor in Achievement

Achievement is proportional to steadfast purpose. One’s animal thoughts must be sacrificed for higher thoughts in order to raise one’s vibration. Self-control, resolution, purity, righteousness, and well-directed thought are necessary to achieve success of goodness in life. However, vigilance is required to maintain the purity of thought required to maintain the good life.

6: Visions and Ideals

Dreams and ideals are the seeds of reality. Your ideal is where it starts. The path may have setbacks but persistence of the ideal leads to success.

7: Serenity

Calmness of mind comes from this path of steadfast persistence of thoughtful pursuit of ideals.

Comment

This teaching is consistent with the other works that I have studied. Our lives are built from our thoughts. The steps to use our thoughts to attain a more desirous life are:

1. Set one’s highest ideal(s).
2. Maintain a focus on the ideal by controlling one’s thoughts.
3. Control one’s thoughts by maintaining positive attitudes everywhere while eschewing negative ones.
4. Be persistent in the face of perceived setbacks.
5. Be patient and positive.

The Law of Attraction

This fundamental law appears in many of the books I have read. I came across a seven-step course or exercise designed to help one learn to use this law in one’s life. It is available in PDF copy here. It implements the ideas presented in this book.

Resources

1. As A Man Thinketh. PDF.
2. As A Man Thinketh Internet Archive (PDF).
3. The Law of Attraction. Free PDFs.

Articles in This Series

Refer to the series index in Gnostic Wisdom.

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