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Personal Development Questions/Answers


Can you tell me whether there is conflict between islam and that prescribed in the secrets of being rich/master key system and TAGR. Thank you.

Asked by Dyp from U.K

This is a good question; however I am no expert on Islam. I will try to answer your question to the best of my ability.

When I first started reading these books, I often wondered about this issue. On the surface there is no major conflict. However when you go deeper in to the philosophy behind these books you will find one. Islam is based on “Tawhid”, oneness of God. A Muslim should worship Allah alone. There is only one Allah or God. The books that you mentioned are also based on the philosophy that there is only one invisible power through which and by which all things are being created. The only difference is this; the Muslims believe that we as human beings are not part of Allah. God is a force separate from us. While in the books such as “Science of getting Rich” or “Master Key System” it is mentioned that we all are at one with the Source which permeates all things in the Universe, there is no difference in kind or quality, the only difference is one of degree. God is within us rather then as operating on us from without.

Charles Hannel in “Master Key System” (part four) says, “when you have learned to control yourself you will have found the "World Within" which controls the world without; you will have become irresistible; men and things will respond to your every wish without any apparent effort on your part. This is not so strange or impossible as it may appear when you remember that the "World Within" is controlled by the "I" and that this "I" is a part or one with the Infinite "I" which is the Universal Energy or Spirit, usually called God.”

Sufism is also based on the same philosophy. In the words of an influential Sufi, Ibn al-‘Arabi, “When you know yourself, your ‘I’ness vanishes and you know that you and Allah are one and the same.”

However there are some verses in Quran that are nearer to this spiritual belief like Surah 50:6, “We (Allah) are nearer to him (man) than his jugular vein.”.

If you are interested in self-improvement or personal spirituality I recommend that you read these books:-

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Echart Tolle

Personal Development for Smart Peopleby Steve Pavlina

Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao by Dr. Wayne Dyer.


There are so many confusing articles about gratitude and god's money and my money and how to align the two and what the bible says about money etc.Some of the web sites are scams. How do you know who is telling the truth. I am not religious but I am drawn to the subject which surprises me too.

Asked by Robert from Canada

Hello Robert,

I know there is a lot of information out there and sometimes it can get overwhelming. However you need not to be confused. If you want to find the truth then you have to look no further then yourself. All the wisdom and knowledge is within you. If something inspires you, it activates what is already there in you. When you are not sure about what to believe just ask God to show you the way and you will see clearly. Meditate on Truth. As Jesus said, “the kingdom of heaven is within you”. He did not say it was a place where the good will go after they die, but we could have it here and now.

There is a universal substance from which all things proceed; you can call it God, Omnipresent or Cosmic Mind or any name you prefer. Jesus stressed the idea that in the great mind of God there is no thought of lack, he has provided abundance for all his children. But you must have faith in this universal substance of good and by your imagination set it to form the things you desire. This principle is also called the law of attraction . Jesus said, “whosoever shall no doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass, he shall have it”.

It is God’s intention that his children be happy and prosperous. Jesus said, “seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness; and all the things will be added unto you”. This doesn’t mean that if you belong to a certain church you will be prospered because righteousness is not limited to some specific religious belief but it is right thinking. It is not a crime to be rich or a virtue to be poor. Money is a tool for men to use, not his master. It is not the money that controls men but the ideas they have about money. Don’t love money but love the source of money, the spirit that it expresses. Love God.

It is your right to acquire abundance and not just enough to survive on. The sin lies in hoarding wealth and keeping it from circulating freely to those who need it. Always remember that God’s supply is unlimited and continuous, you will always be provided for so give graciously. As in Bible a tenth part of your income must be set aside for this purpose. If people seek God and his righteousness first then all shall be added unto them and they will be prosperous. One of the most practical ways of seeking God’s kingdom is to put him first in finances.

Never underestimate the power of gratitude, be thankful for every blessing that you have. When Jesus had only a small supply he gave thanks for the little he had. This increased that little in to such abundance that a multitude was satisfied with food and much was left over. Blessing and gratitude has not lost its power since Jesus’ time, try it and you will be amazed at the results.


Hello I am really ambitious. And each time when i find an opportunity i always try to approach it?I want to learn new things in my life.My problem is when ever i plan to do something i always make it a point to ask my near ones and get their suggestion,but when i get their feedback its always negative and because of these negative answer i just loose my confidence and then i get this fear that may be i am going on the wrong path. What should i do?

Asked by Edna from Cyprus

Hello Edna,

If you have an ambition, you really believe in then never let any one else’s opinion influence you. Remember when you have a strong desire to achieve something then it means that you have the potential to do it. There are few people that really know how much they can accomplish. We all have great possibilities within us. People who realize and recognize the wonderful power within them are the ones who are successful and prosperous in life. Those who fail in life are the ones who don’t trust their own decisions and doubt their capacity.

Don’t let the negative comments of people bother you. They don’t know what you are able to do. The truth of the matter is that even you don’t know your true abilities until you test your self, so how can some one else know? When you allow your plans to be affected by the discouraging words of another person then you are unable to judge as you should because you have allowed another’s influence to take away your courage and determination. The minute you doubt your decision because of what someone said, the creative process in you stops. You cease all the guidance coming to you from your higher self (refer to my article, "Individuality and Intuition" to learn how you can use your intuition to guide you through life). This will invite failure. NEVER doubt your own ability. You have plenty if you will use it. Don’t be afraid from any thing, be it people or circumstances. Fear paralyzes energy. It keeps us from attracting the forces that make up our success. Fear is the worst enemy we have. ALWAYS believe in your self. When you believe with all your heart, mind and soul that you can do something, you develop courage to confidently and steadily live up to this belief.

When you are moving toward your goal you will probably have little or big obstacles in your way. Look at every difficulty as a possibility instead of a probability. Always say “I can” and never “I can’t”. Difficulties soon melt away before the courageous. Never let any one else put a valuation on you. Decide what you want to do, believe that it will be successful, say that it is successful and do your very best to make it so.


Hello Gratitude, I have a problem that I cannot concentrate on any thing. I cannot keep my mind on anything I do. Sometimes I spend hours just thinking about my problems and I do not notice the time passing. I am fed up of my habit and I think I am losing my mind.

Asked by Z/S from U.K

Hello Z/S,

Every problem has a solution and you can overcome any undesirable habit if you really want to. You concentrate at the moment you say “I want to, I can and I will”. Read the article "One Thing at a Time" ”. It has some practical exercises. If you do these with persistence you will train your mind to develop the power of concentration. Focusing on your problems is a waste of time which could be much better spent by doing something constructive like reading personal development books. If you don’t have this much time to spare then you will benefit greatly by reading my articles. These are short and simple and will assist in your self improvement. To improve concentration it is good practice to restrain from anger, excitement, hatred, strong impulses and fretfulness. It is impossible to concentrate if you are in any of these excited states. Also avoid food and drinks that have weakening or stimulating influence.


Dear Gratitude, I am a home maker. But I feel very depressed & lonely once my husband & children leave for office & school respectively. Please help me get out of this feeling.

Asked by sims27 from India

Dear sims27,

I remember the time when I was like you. I was depending on others for my happiness. It was before I found that joy lies in me not in people or situations. What you have to understand and believe is that only you have the power to make yourself happy or sad. Don’t let any external factors have this power over you. Your mind is the most powerful thing that you can have; you can achieve anything you want by having positive thinking. Think about the best possible life for yourself, the life of your dreams. Think how happy you are, don’t think in future terms. Believe it is happening now and how grateful you are. This is called law of attraction; this law basically says that what ever you think about you will attract it in your life. Don’t focus on what you don’t want but focus on what you do want (refer to my article on "Law of Attraction" ). I am practicing this way of thinking for only a couple of months now but my life has completely changed. I am really happy and at peace with my self because I know that it is up to me that what kind of life I want to have, and believe me my life has improved a lot, not only spiritually but also financially and health wise. My relationship with my family couldn’t possibly be any more wonderful. If you are in depression you will attract more of this kind of negative energy. You cannot overcome despair overnight but when ever this feeling comes over you challenge it and don’t give in. This way you will gain some power over it and time by time you will have complete control over your own joy. Look at your home, your family, the beauty of nature. There is happiness all around you; it is just a matter of recognizing it. Always show gratitude because you will not attract anything new in your life unless you are grateful for what you have now.


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