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The renowned 19th-century Russian author suggested that we ask ourselves what God really wants us to do. In addition to his renowned epic novels, Leo Tolstoy wrote essays and letters that conveyed the spiritual truths he came to realize during the course of his life. Along with adopting and promoting the vegetarian diet, he became deeply interested in spirituality and living by the ethical teachings of Christ. Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke about the uplifting nature of Leo Tolstoy’s work during a group meditation session with our Association members in July 1997, in Los Angeles, USA. “Because Tolstoy was a practitioner. That's why when you read his stories, most stories are about spiritual things, about God, and very happy and very positive. It's very good to read him, to read his books.” Today, we would like to share with you an insightful excerpt from Volume 2 of “The Pathway of Life,” called ‘Thought,’ where Leo Tolstoy reminds us of the importance of right thinking and how thought is the starting point of all actions, whether good or bad. “Though thought did not reveal to us the necessity of love – thought could not reveal this – thought plays an important part in pointing out that which obstructs love. This very effort of thought against that which obstructs love, this very effort of thought, I repeat, is more significant, needful and precious than all other things.” “People speak of moral and religious teaching and of science as though they were two distinct guides of man. In reality, however, there is only one guide – conscience, that is the consciousness of the voice of God who dwells in us. This voice decides beyond doubt for each man what he ought and what he ought not to do. And this voice may be summoned at all times from within by any man through an effort of thought.” “All truth is already implanted in the soul of every man. Only, do not choke it with falsehood, and sooner or later it will reveal itself to you.” “All great changes in the life of the individual and of the human race have their inception and completion in thought. A change of feelings and actions requires first of all, a preceding change of thought.”
