The Eight Powers of the Soul in Human Beings
The eight powers available to all human beings are the powers to Pack up, Tolerate, Accommodate, Discriminate, Judge, Face, Cooperate and Withdraw. There is however a relationship between Values, Quality and a Power. "Values" are virtues, ideals and qualities on which actions and beliefs are based. We sometimes say a "value" is a quality worth keeping. A "Quality" is a characteristic which can be seen, admired or appreciated in someone, but the admirer may or may not feel or experience that quality. A "Power" is a overwhelming force, determination or might that cannot remain hidden and it is a constant source of inspiration to others so that they too can benefit from its vibrations and cause change to themselves to also become powerful.
The eight powers are such that in any situation there will be at least one of these powers available for your use. The correct choice of that power will depend on the clarity of thought, calmness of mind and orderliness of the intellect. Success is based on using the correct power at the right time.
1. The power to
pack up is to dispose of all idle, waste and negative thoughts and act on only positive thoughts. A positive thought is any thought when manifested into words or actions brings benefit to yourself, others in society, the environment and to the Creator. If it does satisfy these four conditions, there is some weakness and it is deemed negative and will cause sorrow somewhere. When you apply the power to" pack up" waste thoughts, it means you are then "traveling light" and then you practice the "incarnation of economy" which means that you get the "optimum returns with least expenditure". There is no wastage. Wastage of any kind is the genesis of pollution, be it mental or physical. This economy brings power and a completely positive outlook in everything. Difficult tasks becomes easy and impossible ones suddenly becomes possible.
2. The power to
tolerate difficulties involves the ability to go beyond the influence of negative situations and to be able to react indifferently not even in thoughts. If someone offers you insults, criticisms or anger, or even if you endure physical suffering, you can still remain peaceful and happy if you have the power to tolerate. The power to tolerate IS A GREAT STRENGTH to the wise, it appears as a weakness to the egoist. The power to tolerate embraces the powers of humility, responsibility, self respect and cooperation. The power to tolerate brings the maximum benefit when applied with love, mercy and compassion. It is like the fruit tree that bends with all humility to lower its fruits for picking and gives freely of its fruits even when pelted with sticks and stones.
3. The power to
accommodate is the power to be above any clash of personality or nature. It is to be able to adjust and change negative situations into opportunities without creating conflicts. Just as the ocean accommodates and separates the waste from all the rivers, so too do not reject anyone, but change relationships through the powers of good wishes.
4. The power to
discriminate is to apply the correct values to the thoughts, words and actions of yourself and others. Just as a jeweler can discriminate false from real diamonds, so you should be able to keep positive, worthwhile thoughts and discard the negative harmful ones. It is the negative thoughts which often cloud true discrimination because you lose objectivity and clarity in thoughts when the motive is selfish, injurious and deceitful. You have to be like a swan who can pick out the gems from among the stones with immaculate accuracy.
5. The power to
judge allows you take and make quick, clear, accurate and unbiased decisions consistently. You have to free from the attraction and influence of emotions and opinions of others. You need a clear understanding of what is spiritually right from what is morally wrong. This needs clarity of thought when there is harmony of the mind and intellect with a detached perspective. Never set out to look for the defects in others first. Always be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Always stand back from a position outside the problem. When you stand on top of the mountain, the city below looks small and friendly, when you are lost in the forest, you cannot even see the trees.
6.
The power to face obstacles in life is courage. There is always a solution to a problem. Problems do not exist forever. Therefore start looking for the smallest iota of positivity in the most difficult situation where all seems hopeless. When you see that little ray of hope, build on it and hold steadfastly and that growth will overcome all the defects. When faced with the vices of anger, greed, ego, lust and attachment, do not engage in a direct fight to with them, instead fill yourself with the virtues of tolerance, contentment, humility, purity and detachment from deep within and the vices will be displaced. Courage is the nourishment of the strong to make the impossible become possible and the weapon to conquer all difficulties.
7.
The power to cooperate with others and the environment requires the understanding that that you have to know when to give cooperation as well as to know when to take cooperation. Cooperation has a great affinity for taking and giving responsibility. Cooperation is to understand that all souls are children of the One Father. This is the concept of "brotherhood". The feeling and attitude of brotherly vision creates unity and strength and makes any task easy. Cooperation is the understanding that no man is an island and wastage is to commit spiritual suicide, if not today, then tomorrow. Your conscience is but the judicial arm of that law of karma that dispenses divine justice and for this "nothing is for free in this world". There is a equal price on all your thoughts and actions.
8.
The power to withdraw your thoughts is possible even while you perform activity. Naturally your thoughts must be involved, but during any task you can withdraw and check yourself with the consciousness of your inner peace even for a brief second. Always check for defects and correct if necessary. Like the tortoise who withdraws its legs and take protection with its hard shell on hearing unfamiliar sounds or detects impending danger, so too, withdraw yourself and go deep within and regain your inner strength using the innate values as protection. When there are obstacles or difficulties facing you, look first within for the solution and not without.
To be successful in total quality management, total quality performance and total quality products or services, total quality values are essential. Quality nurtures itself on values and there is no alternative. What is sown must be reaped. Nothing more, nothing less.
bles the individual to remain involved in family and society, fulfilling all responsibility, yet unaffected by negative influences.
