Human Rights could be understood as an ongoing process consisting in purifying the mind from the confinement of traditional concepts that do not correspond any more to our time. Truth cannot be confined within descriptive terminology, nor can it be identified as being the property of one single transmission because of its universal nature. When Truth is formulated at the level of individual understanding, it is then diversified in various interpretations, just as pure water poured into colored glasses gives the impression of being shaded to the color of the glasses. Some declare having found Truth in Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, or in many other religious beliefs, known or unknown to the world at large; but when the concept of Truth falls in the hands of those who think that they know, it is then regrettably misunderstood and confined within rigid forms, and clad in ancestral garbs, perpetuating thereby, arbitrary dogmas that are the fundamental cause of most conflicts. The wise refrain from making a display of speculative statements, using preferably the language of the heart when communicating with others, avoiding thereby confusing misunderstandings, which highlight the specter of fanaticism.
Human Rights implies being aware of one's own responsibilities, as well as respecting the Human Rights of others; thereby refraining from imposing one's belief consciously or unconsciously. Psychological qualities are not necessarily descriptive of moral integrity, and false pretense is a confusing example given to those who expect to experience truthfulness. Right or wrong cannot be overlooked, because in all actions, one's conscience reflects like a mirror, a picture of either peacefulness or unease.
We all have an ego, but nevertheless there is also beauty in the heart; and when coordinating these two opposite energies, one is then in harmony with oneself as well as with others, like the rose and the thorn which are both parts of one and the same plant. The rose offers beauty and perfume, whereas the thorn is ugly; yet both are sustained by the same root. The thorn that one is expected to vanquish is one's own ego, which is depressing to one's self, and which pricks deeply into the hearts of others.
The Art of Personality is a process where the ego is kept under control. The power of the ego is then sublimated to a higher level, offering thereby true sympathy and understanding to those who are dependent upon an example. One can be a bringer of happiness when working on one's own shortcomings rather than judging others, and overlooking all that which is disturbing, when others are not in agreement with one's own thinking. This process unfolds, however, along a thorny path, where every step is a reminder of one's responsibilities. Many polish up their manners, but polish is not necessarily beauty, and an overflowing approach is not necessarily sincerity, whereas tact that arises from the feeling heart reflects truthfulness, which is regrettably liable to be misinterpreted as hypocrisy.
As known from fairy tales, there is a magic formula used to turn base metal into gold. This mystical tale symbolizes so clearly and precisely the work done in transforming the grossness of the ego into a humble attitude, where the 'I' consciousness is thereby remodeled at a harmonious level. Modesty is not necessarily weakness; it is a feeling arising from the living heart, which is secretly conscious of its inner beauty, while at the same time veiling itself even from its own sight. This inspiring attitude is characteristic of the wise, who recognize that both impulses, ego and modesty, are just only sparks of the all-pervading indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all initiatives.
Any role performed in the play of life soon becomes intoxicating, and under that spell, one cherishes the illusions of the game. However, no experience is worthless, and not one moment is really wasted, providing one is wise enough to thoughtfully reconsider the lessons learned from past memories. Even in a fall there is a hidden stepping- stone by which one might rise above one's shortcomings, discovering thereby signs of hidden guidance. Every effort made toward the fulfillment of one's life's purpose, whether material or spiritual, brings one step by step closer to the ultimate goal, and can be seen as a humble contribution to the fulfillment of the divine purpose, which is in a constant state of formation according to a central theme. When rising to the greatest heights, and simultaneously diving into the deepest depths, the false self-consciousness is vanquished, finding itself anew, as a ray of the all-pervading immanence of an indescribable energy constantly manifesting behind all impulses. The seed finds the fulfillment of its purpose, reaching deep into the earth as a root, while simultaneously rising above the surface, as a plant spreading out in full blossom under the rays of the sun.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
