How can I acquire magnetism?

—S.T.

There is within us a magnetic force by which we attract those who have a living relationship to our magnetic power. Thus, a human being cannot attract a stone because a stone has no relationship to a human being.

An ordinary magnet has a certain range and power. Small magnets draw small things. Larger magnets draw larger objects. The human magnet draws according to its power of attraction. Some people attract physical things, some attract mental things, and some attract spiritual things. It depends on what kind of a magnet one wishes to be.
We must develop two kinds of magnetism, one to attract God and another to attract our material necessities. If we use all of our magnetism to gain material things, sooner or later we shall be disillusioned. It is true that God gave us bodies, and we must look after them, but if we first develop spiritual magnetism, it will guide us in the proper ways to supply all of our material needs.

Physical and mental magnetism

We must develop physical magnetism in order to have a body that is strong and conscious of itself — not to the point of vanity — but one that obeys our command. Recharging the body with cosmic energy develops great magnetism.

We must also keep the body magnetized by right eating. Eating freely of fruits and vegetables develops magnetism; fruits, especially, have a wonderful magnetic quality. Eating too much protein and too many starchy foods, however, causes the body to retain poisons. Overeating is always bad whereas fasting usually is very good, since it gives the stomach a rest.

To acquire mental magnetism, we must do everything with deep concentration. People who have reached the top in any profession or business have great powers of concentration and great magnetic power. If we are a slave to any of the senses, we are losing magnetism. If we have control over the senses, we are developing magnetism. Being able to develop and maintain an even mind without getting emotional is the way to magnetic living. When emotionalism is converted into power and governed by wisdom, one has great magnetism.

We must be careful with whom we associate, because we are continually exchanging magnetism with other people by our thoughts, by shaking hands, and by looking into their eyes. As soon as we shake hands with someone, a magnet is formed. The person who is the stronger gives his vibration to the other person. We become like the people with whom we mingle, not through their conversation, but through the silent magnetic vibration which goes out of their bodies. When we come within the range of their magnetism, we become like them.

If a man wants to become an artist, he must associate with artists. If he wants to be a good business man, he must associate with successful businessmen and leaders. If he wants to become a spiritual giant, he must associate with devotees of God.

Developing cosmic magnetism

One can develop cosmic magnetism by thinking of God and saintly people. By concentrating deeply upon a certain personality, one can attract that personality. That is why we should think only of great individuals. If we concentrate on thoughts of wicked people, we will attract their qualities unless we are stronger than they are. If our whole heart is with someone, we draw all the defects and all the good qualities of that person.

If one is a material magnet, he notices that power in others he meets. If he is a moral magnet, he notices that power in others. If he is a spiritual magnet, he notices that magnetism in others.

Divine magnetism is the power of all powers. When our prayer bursts out of our heart and God gives up His vow of silence and speaks to us, then we have gained divine magnetism. We must use our time to develop spiritual magnetism in order to attract the Imperishable. When we have developed the power to attract the highest thing, we can then easily attract all lesser things.

We must detach ourselves from this body, this physical residence. Each of us is a spark of the Infinite. We must differentiate between perishable objects and that which is imperishable. Anything that belongs to the body is perishable; anything that belongs to the mind is semi-perishable; anything that belongs to the soul is imperishable.
Keep in tune with the Divine Magnetic Power. Think of God so constantly that He will be with you wherever you are. Then, all of your good desires will materialize, even those formed in the distant past.

From Inner Culture, July 1941.