SIMPLE LIVING, HIGH THINKING

The greatest achievement in this world is intellectual development. The Creator has blessed us with a mind. It has great capacity. But all these things are in the form of a potential. It is for us to unfold this potential of our mind, to turn this potential into actual. The greatest task for us is to focus completely on developing our mind. Now, the question arises: How can we develop our mind? The mind can be developed through study, through intellectual exchange on serious matters, and through thinking and contemplation. These are all tools for intellectual development of the mind. In the short span of time that we have in this world we simply cannot afford to waste ourselves in matters other than intellectual development. This is what the concept of high thinking is about. The very first word that was revealed to the Prophet was iqra, which means ‘to read’. So, reading is very important in Islam. This was the first lesson that was revealed to the Prophet. Reading and study of serious books written by great thinkers, great scholars, great minds, lead to learning great things, and this will enhance the intellectual development. There is a hadith report, according to which the Prophet said to seek knowledge even if one has to go to China. The seeking spirit is the most important in Islam. Only a seeker will try to find the Truth. Simple living and high thinking are interrelated. High thinking is a result of simple living. Without simple living, there is no high thinking. A truly wise person, a genuine scholar, necessarily leads a simple life. Another aspect of simple living is that it conduces to good health— mental and physical. If we conduct a survey, we will find that people who enjoy good health have adopted simple living. This is the secret of the good health of healthy people. Simple living is an integral part of good health. Simple living is also a natural way of living. Everything in nature is simple. It is free from complications. So, simple living means natural, complication-free living. Nature loves simplicity. Every person must follow his own nature. Simple living and following nature are one and the same thing. Simple living opens the door to all kinds of success. Good health, wisdom, true joy, in fact every kind of goodness is hidden in simplicity. Simple living makes one a wise person who can manage resources in a proper manner.