THE WORD OF GOD

ASK MAULANA When surrounded by problems, how can we remain positive? It is very easy. If you become negative when you face problems, you become unable to tackle those problems, while if you remain positive you will be able to tackle it the right way. It is, therefore, quite counterproductive to become negative when facing problems. You simply cannot afford to be negative. What, according to you, is Spirituality? Spirituality is a discipline by which we can develop our personality along positive lines. Broadly speaking, there are two schools of spirituality. According to one school, spirituality is based on meditation; this spirituality may be called heart-based spirituality. I, however, believe in the other kind of spirituality that is based on contemplation. You may call it mind-based spirituality. Mindbased spirituality is based on thinking. Could you give an example of mind-based spirituality? For example, in our life there can be negative experiences at any moment. These experiences disturb our spirituality; but by applying our mind we can cause all this negativity and the tension generated by it to disappear and thus maintain our spirituality. But, to develop ourselves spiritually, is it necessary to detach ourselves from the physical world? No. The physical world can be helpful in developing spirituality. If you become a slave of material things, then the physical world becomes an obstacle to developing spirituality but if you become the master of the material world, you will be mature enough to squeeze spirituality from material things. For example, if someone abuses you, don’t become upset. It is better to shake hands with him and say: ‘My friend, there was a news item in today’s paper and I would like to have your comments on it.’ In this way, you can change the subject and so turn negativity into positivity. How important is anti-self thinking?