Introduction To 'Influence Of Thought On Body And Mind , The Sikh Perspective' By Shamsher Singh Puri

LONG TIME ago Readers Digest published a story of an old lady who in her life had suffered numerous misfortunes and miseries and was overwhelmed with frustration, indignation, anger, hatred and sadness. Her life had become devoid of happiness, hope, brightness and goodness. This had made her quarrelsome and furious. Gradually her vicious temperament adversly affected her health and her face started looking haggard, ugly and repulsive. This resulted in all her friends and relatives aborting her and leaving her alone to lead a dry, dreary and miserable life.

A friend with a noble soul took compassion on her wretched condition and approached her with kindness and sympathy. She asked her to recollect the brightest and happiest occasions of her life. The old lady at once brought out her wedding photo and started narrating the happy and blissful events of her marriage. As she did so luster came back in her sad eyes and the features of her old wrinkled face became blooming and attractive. The good lady took her to the mirror and told her to carefully observe and mark the difference between her own features before and after the interview. The old lady was astonished at her own bright eyes and glowing face. Actually she was frightened to compare her new features with her usual miserable, repulsive countenance. The sudden change in her countenance wrought by the sweet and blissful memory of a bright and happy occasion in her life was the direct and immediate result of the change in her thoughts.