The Keynote of Immortality

The joy of the struggle! That is the keynote of immortality, the keynote of power. 

Let this be my final message to the world. 

Tell them to enjoy their struggles, to thrill at the endless possibilities of combination and creation, to live in the moment while preparing for long hence, and not to exaggerate the importance of momentary failures and disappointments. 

When they come out here, and get their lives in perspective, they will see that most of their causes of anxiety were trivial and that all the lights and shadows were necessary to the picture. 

I had my lights and shadows too. but I regret nothing. 

The Master enjoys difficulties, as a swimmer enjoys the resistance of the water: 

If I could make you realise the power that comes from facing the struggle—not only bravely, as all the platitudinous bores will tell you, but facing it with enjoyment. Why, any healthy boy enjoys a fight. His blood beats fast, his nerves tingle, but he who keeps his head cool is likely to come out on top.

Life is a fight. You are in matter to conquer it lest it conquer you. 

There is nothing in this universe stronger than the will of man when it is directed by a powerful force of unit. Whatever your strength, make the most of it in the battle of life. 

Remember that your opponents are not other men but conditions. If you fight men, they will fight you back, but if you fight conditions, they, being unintelligent, will yield to you with just enough resistance to keep your muscles in good order. 

And do not forget the law of rhythm—that is at the back of everything. Count on rhythm; it has never failed yet, and it never will. Watch for the high tides of yourself and flow up with them; when the inevitable low tides come, either rest or meditate. You cannot escape rhythm. You transcend it by working with it. 

You can even turn and grow young, for time also has its tides, and there are many ripples in the long sea-swell of life. 

I feel that I am leaving much unsaid, but I shall meet you again someday.

“X”