Daily Meditation: Monday, July 6, 2026

Influences - we cannot avoid being influenced, but we should choose the best ones

Those who decide to disregard the experience of their elders show a misguided spirit of independence. Besides, whether they admit it or not, they cannot ignore that experience. What do novelists, poets, philosophers, musicians or painters do? They live their lives while creating works that inevitably reflect their own experience. They then bequeath their works to other human beings, who find nourishment in them. Over the centuries, a whole legacy of thoughts and sensibilities has gradually been built, which we inherit so to speak, at birth. Therefore, the reality is that we are steeped in the lives of others: their thoughts and feelings, their discoveries and wonderment, but also their mistakes and anxieties. So when we talk about being free, what exactly are we talking about? We cannot live without being influenced; the issue is to learn to be receptive to only the very best influences.

Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov

See also Truth: Fruit of Wisdom and Love, chapter II

Subscribe to Thought of the day Consult the archives of Thoughts

Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov
a universal teacher, inspired by the sun

The universal message of Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov (1900 – 1986) is in accord with that of all the great Masters of humanity. His teaching sheds light on the great cosmic laws governing our life and provides practical methods that enable us to develop our full spiritual potential and work for a more harmonious life for all.

“Through my teaching, I wish to give you everything you need to know about human beings: how they are built, their relationship with nature, the exchanges they must make with the universe, so that you can learn to drink from the sources of divine life. …ˮ

Learn More