Experience, when rightly understood and wisely utilized, becomes a source of self-illumination, power and peace. I have lived in this world of ours, with its blessings and vexation, and have gained manifold experiences. I have lived a normal life, commensurate with my circumstances and spiritual ideal. I have found happiness and joy. Contentment and peace have not been alien to my inner life. I have also tasted the cup of sorrow and anguish. In its essence, my life is in no way different from that of any of you. Our problems and perplexities, in their basic nature, are the same. The difference is in the conditions of our environment.
Through all my experiences I have attained a higher perspective and a nobler vision. Humility before God and trust in his beneficence have been the fruits of my success and achievement. My failures have inspired patience and fortitude, and greater devotion to my spiritual ideal and faith. This I may say with the utmost sincerity and humility, that through all my accomplishments and disappointments, my life has been a success in the truest sense because all my experiences have guided me towards the attainment of ever-increasing spiritual unfoldment and realization, which in their turn have blessed me with happiness and peace.
In my life, especially during my spiritual ministry, I have come in contact with people of virtually all categories. In my association with my fellowmen, I often experienced a disturbing note in my friendship, love and devotion. It is true that I have received abundantly the spiritual blessings of fellowship, joy and happiness from kind and loving hearts. But what I want to emphasize here is that experiences of pain and agony have come to my life from those whom I have endeavored to serve, aid and assist. Nevertheless, I am not embittered by these untoward experiences. And the reason for this I want to reveal to you in order that you also under similar circumstances will be able to rise above all negative thoughts, desires and feelings within yourself.
I have discovered that man is fundamentally good and spiritual. In the innermost depth of his heart every man is kind and loving. This realization of the innate goodness of man has completely oriented my attitude towards my fellow beings. Today none can hurt me because I behold man in his spirit, and in his spirit man is good. Now my constant effort, under all circumstances, is to awaken man to his innate virtue and righteousness. I have come to realize that within every man are enshrined an endless number of noble qualities. However, among them, I will reveal to our knowledge and understanding one hundred and one. I have realized them within me. I am certain they also adorn your inner self.
Introduction to 101 Noble Qualities
By Swami Premananda
Originally Published 1956
Reprinted 2024