The Heavenly Life

by James Allen

Excerpt: THE secret of life, of abundant life, with its strength, its felicity, and its unbroken peace is to find the Divine Centre within oneself, and to live in and from that, instead of in that outer circumference of disturbances - the clamours, cravings, and argumentations which make up the animal and intellectual man. These selfish elements constitute the mere husks of life, and must be thrown away by him who would penetrate to the Central Heart of things - to Life itself. Not to know that within you that is changeless, and defiant of time and death, is not to know anything, but is to play vainly with the unsubstantial reflections in the Mirror of Time. Not to find within you those passionless Principles which are not moved by the strifes and shows and vanities of the world, is to find nothing but illusions which vanish as they are grasped. He who resolves that he will not rest satisfied with appearances, shadows, illusions shall, by the piercing light of that resolve, disperse every fleeting phantasy, and shall enter into the substance and reality of life. He shall learn how to live, and he shall live. He shall be the slave of no passion, the servant of no opinion, the votary of no fond error. Finding the Divine Centre within his own heart, he will be pure and calm and strong and wise, and will ceaselessly radiate the Heavenly Life in which he lives - which is himself.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Spirituality, Personal Development, Self Help, Christian

64 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1907

About the author

The James Allen Free Library

Allen was 15 when his father, a businessman, was robbed and murdered. He left school to work full-time in several British manufacturing firms to help support the family. He later married Lily L. Allen and became an executive secretary for a large company. At age 38, inspired by the writings of Leo Tolstoy, he retired from employment. Allen — along with his wife and their daughter, Nohra — moved to a small cottage in Ilfracombe, Devon, England to pursue a simple life of contemplation. There he wrote for nine years, producing 19 works. He also edited and published a magazine, "The Light of Reason".

Allen's books illustrate the use of the power of thought to increase personal capabilities. Although he never achieved great fame or wealth, his works continue to influence people around the world, including the New Thought movement.

Allen's most famous book, As a Man Thinketh, was published in 1902. It is now considered a classic self-help book. Its underlying premise is that noble thoughts make a noble person, while lowly thoughts make a miserable person.

Following his death in 1912, his wife continued publishing the magazine under the name, "The Epoch".

Reviews

[Steven Walle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author James Allan wrote many books on contemplation and the search for inner peace in a loud mixed up world. This is both a pracital and spiritual guide to find this. I have practiced these methods in my own life and have found the peace that surpasses all understanding. Please read this volume and practice it's principles for your own and others benefit.
I recommend this book to all.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond

[Vaishali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book, I thought Allen was Self-realized. It’s so different from As a Man Thinketh … more equivalent to Eckhardt Tolle. Every page is a masterpiece.

Notes:
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“The secret of life, of abundant life, with its strength, its felicity, and its unbroken peace is to find the Divine Centre within oneself, and to live in and from that…”

“Not to find within you those passionless principles which are not moved by the strifes and shows and vanities of the world, is to find nothing but illusions which vanish as they are grasped.”

“Finding the divine center within his own heart, he will be pure and calm and strong and wise, and will ceaselessly radiate the Heavenly Life in which he lives – which is himself.”

“His tomorrow’s are as seeds which he’ll germinate, bursting into beauty and potency of life, and no doubt shall shake his trust, no uncertainty rob him of repose. The Present is his, only in the immortal Present does he live…”

“And as it is in the building of a material house, even so it is in the building of a spiritual mansion. Brick by brick, pure thought upon pure thought, good deed upon good deed, must the habitation of a blameless life rise from its sure foundation until at last it stands out in all the majesty of its faultless proportions.”

“The spiritual heart of a man is the Heart of the universe, and, finding that Heart, man finds the strength to accomplish all things. He finds there also the Wisdom to see things as they are. He finds there the Peace that is divine. At the center of man’s being is the Music which orders the stars–the Eternal Harmony.”

“He ceases to argue about God who has found God within. Relying upon that calm strength, which is not the strength of self, he lives God, manifesting in his daily life the Highest Goodness, which is Eternal Life.”

“ Now is the reality in which time is contained. It is more and greater than time; it is an ever present reality... Every minute, every day, every year is a dream as soon as it has passed, and exists only as an imperfect and unsubstantial picture in the memory, if it be not entirely obliterated. Past and future are dreams; now is a reality. All things are now; all power, all possibility, all action is now.”

“Non-accomplishment resides in your perpetual postponement, and, having the power to postpone, you also have the power to accomplish – to perpetually accomplish: realize this truth, and you shall be today, and every day, the ideal man of whom you dreamed.”

“That which is done now remains; that which is to be done tomorrow does not appear.”

“Act now, and lo! all things are done; live now, and, behold! You art in the midst of Plenty; be now, and know that thou art perfect.”

“The Original Simplicity of Lao-tze is a term expressive of the universe as it is, and not as it appears.”

“To the wise all occurrences are good, and, having no eye for evil, they grow wiser every day. They utilize all things, and thus put all things under their feet… They are moved by none, yet learn from all. They crave love from none, yet give love to all. To learn, and not to be shaken; to love where one is not loved; herein lies the strength which shall never fail a man.”

“The wise man is always anxious to learn, but never anxious to teach, for he knows that the true Teacher is in the heart of every man, and must ultimately be found there by all.”

“Goodness, which is the aim of all religions, is distinct from religions themselves. Wisdom, which is the aim of every philosophy, is distinct from all philosophies. The Unfailing Wisdom is found only by constant practice in pure thinking and well-doing; by harmonizing one’s mind and heart to those things which are beautiful, lovable, and true.”

“A speculative philosophy will prove a shadowy thing in the time of calamity; a man must have the inward Wisdom which puts an end to grief.”

“There is no evil but will vanish if you will wisely meet it.”

“He who so comprehends shall find the Supreme Law of Life, and he shall find that it is Love, that it is imperishable Love. He shall become one with that Love, and loving all, with mind freed from all hatred and folly, he shall receive the invincible protection which Love affords.”

“Claiming nothing, he shall suffer no loss; seeking no pleasure, he shall find no grief; and employing all his powers as instruments of service, he shall ever more live in the highest state of blessedness and bliss.”

“… the meek man who, though shaken and disturbed by none, yet compassionately bends to shield the lowliest creature, and, though he may be despised, lifts all men up, and lovingly protects them.”

“He who has found Meekness has found divinity… He also knows all others as divine, though they know it not themselves, being asleep and dreaming. Meekness is a divine quality, and as such is all-powerful. The meek man overcomes by not resisting, and by allowing himself to be defeated he attains to the Supreme Conquest.”

“He who conquers another by force will himself likewise be conquered; he who conquers himself by Meekness will never be overthrown, for the human cannot overcome the divine.”

“As you become meek, you shall learn the deepest secrets of the universe.”

“The meek man shines in darkness, and flourishes in obscurity. Meekness cannot boast, nor advertise itself, nor thrive on popularity. It is practiced, and is seen or not seen; being a spiritual quality it is perceived only by the eye of the spirit. Those who are not spiritually awakened see it not... Nor does history take note of the meek man. Its glory is that of strife and self-aggrandizement; his is the glory of peace and gentleness. History chronicles the earthly, not the heavenly acts. Yet though he lives in obscurity he cannot be hidden. How can light be hid? He continues to shine after he has withdrawn himself from the world, and is worshiped by the world which knew him not.”

“… he cannot be afflicted by weariness and unrest whose heart is at peace with all.“

“… Love is not merely and only a rule of life, it is the Law of Life, it is Life itself.”

“By thus practicing obedience to the Highest, to the divine Love, they become conscious partakers of the power of Love, and so arrive at perfect Freedom as Masters of Destiny.”

“Love does not punish; man punishes himself by his own hatred; by striving to preserve evil which has no life by which to preserve itself…”

“Love is Perfect Harmony, pure Bliss, and contains, therefore, no element of suffering.”

“He who has learned how to Love has learned how to master every difficulty, how to transmute every failure into success, how to clothe every event and condition in garments of blessedness and beauty.”

“And he who has destroyed, in himself, all thoughts of harm, and all desire to harm, receives the universal protection, and knows himself to be invincible.”

“Perfect Love is perfect Power. ”

“Perfect Love is perfect Wisdom. The man who loves all is the man who knows all.”

“Infinite Tenderness enfolds and cherishes the universe; therefore is the wise man gentle and childlike and tender-hearted. He sees that the one thing which all creatures need is Love, and he gives it unstintingly. He knows that all occasions require the adjusting power of Love, and he ceases from harshness.”

“ If you would reach the Highest, ceaselessly cultivate a loving and compassionate Heart.”

“He who says, “My worldly duties are irksome to me; I will leave them and go into solitude, where I shall be as free as the air,” and thinks to gain freedom thus, will find only a harder slavery. The tree of Freedom is rooted in Duty, and he who would pluck its sweet fruits must discover joy in Duty.”

“Whilst there is hatred in the heart of man, he imagines Law to be cruel, but when his heart is mellowed by Compassion and Love, he perceives that the Law is Infinite Kindness.”

“So kind is the Law that it protects man against his own ignorance.”

“ The toil of Life ceases when the heart is pure.”

“… those who having yielded up self-will, have learned to cooperate with the Divine Will. They grow in grace, goodness, and beauty, freed from anxiety, and without friction and toil. And they never work in vain; There is no waste action. Every thought, act, and thing done subserves the Divine Purpose, and adds to the sum-total of the world’s happiness.“

“Heaven is in the heart. They will look for it in vain who look for it elsewhere.”

“ Heaven is in the heart. They will look for it in vain who look for it elsewhere…”

“All man’s sorrows and sufferings are the result of his own self-elected estrangement from the Divine Source.”

“Troubles belong to hell; they do not enter Heaven. This is so simple it should not appear strange. If you have a trouble it is in your own mind, and nowhere else; you make it, it is not made for you; it is not in your task; it is not in that outward thing. You are its creator, and it derives its life from you only.”

“To transmute everything into Happiness and Joy, this is supremely the work and duty of the Heavenly-minded man.”

“He who loves can never want.”

“Think lovingly, speak lovingly, act lovingly, and your every need shall be supplied; you shall not walk in desert places, and no danger shall overtake you.”

“To love all and always–this is the Heaven of heavens. Let there be nothing within you that is not very beautiful and very gentle, and then will there be nothing without you that is not beautified and softened by the spell of your presence. All that you do, let it be done in calm wisdom, and not from desire, impulse, or opinion; this is the Heavenly way of action.”

“Purify your thought-world until no stain is left, and you will ascend into Heaven while living in the body.”

“Undeveloped souls are merely unopened flowers.”

“What gardener is so foolish as to condemn his flowers because they do not develop in a day? Learn to love, and you shall see and all souls…”

“Open the petals of your soul and let the glorious Light stream in.”

“Come and live in the sunshine of your being.”


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[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have this book in my audio library and have listened to it twice now. Will listen again.

[Andrea Hickman Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and peaceful philosophy of how to live, and what it means to be a good person. Despite the Christian vocabulary and the fairly regular references to Jesus, I feel this has far more in common with Eastern philosophies and religions, and even with New Age philosophies than with mainstream Christianity. There's very little in here that I don't agree with, though there are many things I have trouble with (the existence of some sort of God, for instance). The hard part is actually doing it consistently...

This is something fundamentalists should read because it would be good for them to consider the rationale it presents. More spiritual, freeform Christians, people who consider themselves spiritual and agnostics would probably find it interesting and possibly helpful. Hardline atheists shouldn't bother.

[Amal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made it to my Top 10 books list...
Amazing book with clear a simple writing, yet it contains magnificent ideas for everyone struggling with life and the burden of sins and darkness within one's soul...
This book have a Christianity flavor to it but any religious person can identify easily with the ideas in the book...

i recommend it to anyone who seeks spiritual enlightenin

[Sotiris Makrygiannis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not doubt that James Allen had read Pythagorean philosophy and the Kybalion from Hermes the Trismegistus. He mentions Greek Aristotelian logic somewhere, but the proof is that he believes everything is music. Everything is a tune, and heavenly life is an excellent harmonical tune, and I agree with him. The Kybalion book proof is not in this one but in another title of his called: As a Man Thinketh.

Of course, he is very Christian and is very visible throughout the book:

"He ceases to argue about God who has found God within. Relying upon that calm strength, which is not the strength of self, he lives God, manifesting in his daily life the Highest Goodness, which is Eternal Life."

The chapter on the power of "The Might of Meekness" is a masterpiece. How to translate Meek :

meekness
noun
The quality of being meek; the softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations; unrepining submission.

Synonyms Lowliness, humility, self-abasement. See comparison under gentle.

The quality or state of being meek.

After reading Bible verses containing the word meek, I realized that he copied and elaborated on them. They rewrote them in a lovely way for a larger, modern audience.

Colossians 3:12
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Numbers 12:3
Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people on the face of the earth.

Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

There is much to say about this book beyond the point that it should be read, perhaps more than once.

[Olamide OPEYEMI · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heavenly life, another great book by James Allen, is a summary of thoughts, pungently calling man to a higher and purer way of living. He beautifully elevates the necessary discipline of the inner man that makes him an otherworldly person.

Although, I suspect that some may think these ideals too fantastic to experience in real life, I personally will suggest to such a one that he is in good company. That sincerity, is the first step to divinity, that is, sharing/experiencing the very nature of God.

And to him who realizes and admits that he is poor in spirit (not able to help himself), the kingdom of Heaven is opened (Matthew 5:3). Christ will be ready to credit him with His righteousness, as he forsakes his own prior righteousness, and he will proceed to taste and see that the LORD is good (Psalm 34:8).

[Ernestine Manowarda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[#DÏ4B7Ø Chinnamasta-Bhairav]

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To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~

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Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~

Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct

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" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”

Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous

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Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind

A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through

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[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back in the day, I used to have a thing for self help. But I realized that reading about something and applying it are two very different things. So, instead of reading about being in a better mental state, I tried to live it.

Every now and then, though, I return to my old favorite books. Books that predate my time on this website. And read, once again, the authors who inspired me. James Allen is one of those figures. As A Man Thinketh will always be one of my favorite books to read when I need to redirect my focus to the things which truly matter.

His other books are good, but they just don’t have that same power.

[Adam Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve tried to read the great books of wisdom and I haven’t found anything so simple, beautiful and profound as James Allen. This book is the secret to a heavenly life. You don’t have to worship any religion to appreciate this book, only truth. Now if only I could live it!

[Fernando Cabezas Astorga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una obra de sentencias elevadas para saltar de las realidades terrenas, para alcanzar la grandeza espiritual en el conocimiento de Dios. Algo como un libro de proverbios con música celestial de sabiduría humana y divina.

[Joseph B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writer gives tangible examples and ideas on how to life a Heavenly Life. Purify your thought world and then you'll be ascended into Heaven. Then the outward world will purify/beautify too.

[Gabrot · Rating 2 out of 5]

to much religion in it

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Words to live by explained in fast pace religious vocabulary. I enjoyed the book and to be honest I'll probably read it a few more times.

[Audiobook Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5ciS...

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

always good

James Allen is always a good, inspiring read. I read his words every morning with coffee and it sets the tone for the day.

[Chenley Cabaluna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dito ata ako nagsimula mag-Buddhism. I'm not pretty sure though hahaha. Oh ayan, magbagong buhay na tayong lahat at iwan ang ating mga kasalanan. chos. Basta masaya akong nagbabasa ng mga ganito nowadays lol

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio Book - Another great short book by James Allen. Great Christian teachings and insights into the human soul.

[Zinge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, inspirational read. :)

[Sare Öztürk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook version