by K. Scott Teeters - Reiki Master

I don’t mind making a bold statement. James Allen is perhaps, the single most underrated inspirational writer of the last 100 years. Just ask around, and you'll find that most people have no idea who he was. Even in the metaphysical community, he is largely unknown. He's probably best known in the motivational community. Most motivational writers and speakers reference him at some point in their work. His books are so far off the radar screen of modern publishing, you usually find only a copy or two in small book stores, maybe. Often times, his books can be found on the discount rack. His most popular and most widely known book, "As A Man Thinketh" just doesn't have a compelling hook to it in a book market flooded with jazzy titles.

Like most who discover James Allen, I was in a small local book store looking in the Inspiration section. I love the word, "inspiration." It comes from the Greek word "spiritos," the divine breath, or "God Spirit within." The copy that I saw was an updated version titled "As You Think" edited and published by Marc Allen, who is no relation to James Allen by the way. I bought it and was immediately taken with the clarity and beauty of Allen’s words. His sentences run on a bit, but it doesn't get in the way of what he points towards. With my very first reading, I was left touched, moved, and inspired.

The Little Version For Your Pocket &
The Complete James Allen Collection

A few years later, I was in a metaphysical book store and found a very small paper copy. The DeVorrs Publishing version is small, measuring about 5" x 3" and the cost was only $4. I used to buy six or so at a time and add them to holiday greeting cards or give them to my Reiki students. It will literally fit into your pants back pocket.

Then in the early ‘90s, I discovered that Sun Books (http://www.sunbooks.com) was reproducing James Allen's books. Sun Books later went on to reproduce all 23 of James Allen’s books and one book by James’ wife, Lily Allen. I was talking to the owner of Sun Books once and asked him if he knew anything about the background of James Allen. All that he knew was that Allen lived in England around the early part of the 20th century, worked in industry and died rather young.

I was very surprised. How could the writer of such beautiful and deep books have so little known about himself? Well, it seems that he wanted it that way. Recently, while researching on the Net, I came across a website that had a tribute page to James Allen, as well as some more information about his life, and what kind of a man he was.

Here's what little else is known about James Allen.

James Allen was born in Leicester, England on November 28, 1864. When he was fifteen, the family business failed and his father left for America to find work. What kind of business his father was in isn't known. Unfortunately, his father was murdered before he could send for the family and subsequently, James left school and worked for several years, eventually becoming a private secretary, a position that would be called "administrative assistant today. His work in industry, and what kind of industry isn't known, ended in 1902, when at the age of 38, Allen began his literary career that only lasted nine years until his death in 1912.

James Allen never gained fame or fortune. He seldom made enough money from his writings to cover expenses. His was a quiet, unrewarded genius. Soon after finishing his first book, "From Poverty To Power," Allen moved to Ilfracombe, on England's southwest coast. The little resort town with its sea front Victorian hotels, rolling hills and winding lanes offered him the quiet atmosphere he needed to pursue his philosophical studies.

"As A Man Thinketh" was Allen's second book. Despite its subsequent popularity he was dissatisfied with it. Obviously, it was a classic case of not being able to see one's own genius. Even though it was his clearest work, he somehow failed to recognize its value. His wife Lily had to persuade him to publish it.

Allen would began his day with a predawn walk up to the Cairn, a stony spot on the hillside overlooking his home and the sea. There, he would meditate for an hour or so. Then he would return to the house and spend the morning writing. His afternoons were devoted to one of his favorite pastimes, gardening. His evenings were spent in conversation with those who were interested in his work. This sounds like a very nice life to me.

A friend once described Allen as "A frail-looking little man, Christ-like, with a mass of flowing black hair. I think of him especially in the black velvet suit he always wore in the evenings." the friend wrote. "He would talk quietly to a small group of us - English, French, Austrian and Indian - of meditation, of philosophy, of Tolstoy or Buddha, and of killing nothing, not even a mouse in the garden. He overawed us all a little because of his appearance, his gentle conversation, and especially because he went out to commune with God on the hills before dawn."

James Allen definitely walked to be beat of a different drummer.

How Did he Pull It All Together?

When I hear or read James Allen’s words, I feel a kinship with him. The ideas resonate with a deep part of my understanding. It’s as if I am being reminded of something important that I forgot a long time ago. I thought it was interesting that Allen spent the better part of his working life working in an office. Having personally spent over 30 years working in dozens or offices with thousands of people, I can clearly see that if you are an astute observer, you can learn volumes about humanity by just paying attention. When you work with people for an extended period of time, you get to see them at their best and their worst, their ups and downs, happy and grumpy, petty and noble. You’ll see it all in the office - love, hate, cooperation, sabotage, team work and all out war. The office place can be a “university of humanity studies” if you look at it that way.

Combined with his interest in quieting his mind with Buddhist meditation, Allen could not have been in a better school. Getting high and cosmic on the mountain top is one thing. What really matters for the vast majority of us is how do we integrate our spiritual rememberings with our day-to-day life? That’s the big challenge. Today we like to call it, “walking your talk” and it’s not always an easy way to be.

James Allen's philosophy became possible when liberal Protestantism turned away from the stern dogma that man is sinful by nature. In its place was an optimistic belief in man's innate goodness and divinity. This reversal of doctrine was, as William James said, the greatest revolution of the 19th Century. It was part of a move toward a reconciliation of science and religion following Darwin's publication "The Origin of Species."

Allen's work embodies the influence of Protestant liberalism on the one hand, and of Buddhist thought on the other. For example, the Buddha taught, "All that we are is the result of what we have thought.' Allen's Biblical text says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." This may have been the beginning of the observation of the similarities between the teachings of the Buddha and Jesus.

It’s Up To Us

Allen insists upon the power of the individual to form his own character and to create his own happiness. As he states in the chapter titled, The Effect of Thought on Circumstances, from "As A Man Thinketh,"

"Thought and character are one, and as character can only manifest and discover itself through environment and circumstance, the outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. This does not mean that a man's circumstances at any given time are an indication of his entire character, but that those circumstances are so intimately connected with some vital thought element within him that, for the time being, they are indispensable to his development.'

Allen's message is one of hope, even in the midst of confusion. It is a message that is as contemporary today, as it was when he first wrote it one hundred years ago. In a sense, things haven't changed much. As he wrote in the last chapter of "As A Man Thinketh" titled, Serenity...

"Yes, humanity surges with uncontrolled passion, is tumultuous with ungoverned grief, is blown about by anxiety and doubt. Only the wise man, only he whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him.

Allen continues...

"Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you may be, under whatsoever conditions you may live, know this. In the ocean of life, the isles of blessedness are smiling, and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hand firmly on the helm of thought. In the ship of your soul reclines the commanding master - he does but sleep; wake him. Self-control is strength, right thought is mastery, calmness is power. Say unto your heart, "Peace, be still!"

“As A Man Thinketh” Lives On With Many Voices

In wrapping up this little background essay on James Allen and his work, I would like to share a few observations. When I first read "As A Man Thinketh" in 1988, I was deeply touched. I reread it many times and eventually bought a cassette copy read and published by Marc Allen. Like Marc, I have listened to the reading so many times that I have memorized many parts of the book. Often in conversation I find myself reaching into James Allen's wisdom for clarity.

I have even noticed several other cassette readings of "As A Man Thinketh." One was read by the late author and founder of the Nightingale-Conant Company, Earl Nightingale, and the other was read by the late actor, Robert Young. Maybe that's why he was so smart as the dad on the TV show, " Father Knows Best." (just kidding here...)

Since my first encounter with James Allen I have read many other books and listened to many other teachers. But every time I go back and reread or listen again to my audio version of “As A Man Thinketh,” I am as deeply touched as the first time I read the book. God reminds us in "Conversations With God" that truth has an elegance that is unmistakable. It's also explained that we have been hearing God's words and feelings through the words, pictures, and sculptures of writers and artists for centuries, "I will not leave you without messengers. Those who will show you the way."

For me "As A Man Thinketh" has the hand of God all over it. If its been a long time since you have read “As A Man Thinketh” I invite you to revisit this wonderful work. If you’re looking for something special to inspire those you love for the holidays or any occasion, pick up a few copies. It’s a simple, easy way for you to be a light that lights other lights that will light the World.
Shine on!

Scott