The urge of human self to evolve in consciousness is a natural expression of its spiritual nature. Evolution is the fundamental and eternal objective of the jivatma (the soul manifested in the individual self). This is what drives one towards progress. We may differ in regard to the true meaning of progress or the ideal path to be followed, but it is true that each one of us always wants to change, to ascend in the scale of consciousness. The thinkers and sages of all ages have affirmed that there is no place for weak, inactive creatures in this world. Nature also favors the survival of the fittest. Only the courageous and capable ones succeed in the stiff and stormy struggle of life. Power, energy and strength is essential, in some form or the other, for the sustenance of life. The Shastras elucidate this fact as Ya Vibharti Jagatsarvamishwareccha Hyalaukiki | Saiva Dharmo Hi Subhage! Neha Kashcan Sanshaya: | Yogyata Vacchinna Dharmina: Shaktireva Dharmah || Meaning: God has manifested this world through HIS supernatural power. It is also the duty of a human being (the crown prince of that Almighty) to enhance his abilities and attain greater strength. By "power" is meant here the zeal, vibrancy and willpower for ascent and success in life. As such, possession of wealth, physical might, human or other resources, etc also make one powerful in the worldly sense. However, if we look at the glorious lives of great personalities, we find that presence of these resources is not necessary for samunnati (enlightened progress). Gautam The Buddha became truly powerful after renouncing all his royal comforts, prosperity and princely powers. The power of enlightenment that he accessed on attaining Buddhahood proved to be immeasurably superior to that of thousands of emperors and the rich and the mighty across the world. Even the ever-victorious Emperor Ashoka had to dedicate himself, his children, along with the resources of his empire for the spread of The Buddhas message of Enlightenment and compassion. Mahatma Gandhi did not have anything that could be materialistically significant. He was even weak physically. But, this lean and thin man of 96 pounds shook the foundations of the grand British Empire, which at that time was the unchallenged superpower from one end of the globe to the other. These immortal examples illustrate that there is some other 'supreme' power, which supersedes and controls all the worldly powers. The preeminent power bestowed upon human beings is that of thoughts. The power of thoughts shapes the external as well as the internal realms of personality and drives our life accordingly. It is the flow of one's thoughts that generates and propels the triple currents of his qualities, nature and actions. If one wants to become different from what the nature of his thought is, he will not succeed. In fact, it is the flow of decisive thoughts that generates the constructive power to enable corresponding actions of the body. For example, whatever be one's end-goal, unless there is the willpower-charged thought of becoming healthy and physically fit, he would not be inspired to carry out the laborious physical exercises and devote the necessary time and efforts in adhering to a balanced diet. The energy of his powerful thoughts about satyagrah had motivated Mahatma Gandhi to launch in right earnest the non-violent freedom struggle. The irresistible thought waves generated by his self-less, devoted endeavors thereafter had gradually inspired the whole nation to participate in this noble movement and make it a unique success.

- courtesy Akhand Jyoti