Page 163 - Mystic Pathways through the Bible

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achieved. Develop insight into a satwic diet—a diet that is balanced, nutritious, and has a harmonious in uence on the mind. Even a balanced diet must be eaten with a spirit of dedication to God, Who manifests as the gastric re within one’s body. Food is to be eaten for maintaining this Divine temple of the body so that the energy of the spirit can be directed towards the attainment of righteousness and ultimately towards Self-realization. The body should not become a means to unrighteous desires of the mind. A healthy mind in a healthy body constitutes an ideal mystic vessel in which Divine wisdom and devotion can be sustained.
Learn to be adept in pratyahara—the withdrawal of the senses. Wherever you may go, there will always be some uncomfortable situation. Withdrawal of the senses allows you to “keep your distance.” If you are a practitioner of pratyahara, you can enjoy peace and harmony even in a crowded world.
Always strive to create harmony around you. Adapt and adjust to people around you. A little act of self-negation, a little endurance, a little patience, a little inward understanding, a small act of kindness and compassion can remove mountains of misery that arise out of petty quarrels and senseless vanities. People can perform great deeds of generosity with regard to material objects. They may build grand temples and libraries and provide wonderful feasts,