Comparative and Critical Study of Mantrashastra

Author(s): Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri, K V Abhayankar
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab

Page 24

WILL
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these conflicting desires to the bright light of the reason and to determine accordingly. In its third phase the latent power of Desire is released in accordance with the decision made. There is a point of hesitation before desire springs into will-action-the point of indecision which occupies but a small fraction of a second; in fact, particularly among the lower members of the race, the action is almost automatic and without rational consideration. Some desires never pass into the stage of action, but are held back either by the power of conflicting desires, or else from want of energy in the desire itself. The new Psychology does not content itself with a mere discourse upon the nature and action of the will; it proceeds to inform one how the will may be trained and applied to the best advantage.
Prof. William James advises the practice of doing things disagreeable to oneself, things which one does not want to do—as a means of strengthening the will. It increases the resisting power of the Will and serves one well in time of need.
Prof. Halleck also says: "Nothing schools the Will, and renders it ready for effort in this complex world better than accustoming it to face disagreeable things. A Will schooled in this way is always ready to respond, no matter how great the emergency. While another would be still crying over spilt milk, the possessor of such a Will has already begun to milk another cow." It is by doing that we learn do; by overcoming that we learn to overcome. The essence of Will is action. Persistency, doggedness, and stamina are the qualities of Will. Emerson said "I know no such unquestionable badge and ensign of a sovereign mind as that of tenacity of purpose, which, through all changes of companions or parties or fortunes, changes never, bates no jot of heart or hope, but wearies out opposition and arrives at its port."
“In the persistent Will we have the manifestation of Will in action, and also in the form of the steadying, and holding in place of the whole mental force. One of the characteristics of the Positive Will is its quality of presistence--that quality which manifests in steadfastness, firmness, and constancy in carrying out and pursuing the