We do not realise how potent thoughts are. There is a memorable story about King Akbar and Birbal. King Akbar had a chief minister named Birbal who was known for his wisdom. Birbal wanted to prove to the king how potent thoughts are. So he told the king that when a particular man approached them, the king should think evil thoughts about him. The king followed Birbal’s instructions and had a mental tirade against the approaching man.
When the man came nearer, the king asked him, “What did you think when you first saw my face today?” The man replied, “Suddenly I had an intense desire to hit you.”
There was no reason for the man to think this, but the effect of the king’s violent thoughts about the man were unconsciously perceived by him and he reacted in kind.
We know the effects of our loving thoughts on someone. Children are very sensitive and they can instantly pick up on someone who has loving thoughts about them. We are also sensitive. When someone has loving thoughts about us, we respond with love as well.
Similarly, our negative thoughts send out a vibration which is picked up by the other person. We may think our thoughts are private, but others can sense them. For this reason we must be careful of what we think.
Our thoughts can not only injure others, but can ultimately do harm us. The time we spend thinking ill of others is time when we are wasting the precious breaths allotted to us. The time spent criticising others only keeps us from our goal of finding God.
First, we cannot concentrate on our meditation if we are thinking ill of others. Second, that thought will rankle and remain with us throughout the day. Third, we are creating actions that must reap fruits. And lastly, we are being unloving to one of God’s children. How can He possibly be pleased with us when we think ill of one of His children?
Excerpt from Inner and Outer Peace Through Meditation by H H Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj