See Yourself Impartially!-2.

A commentator upon this Upanishadic episode says,

"Even though it was given to three types of beings, all three of these can equally apply to one human individual, because within the human individual all three propensities inhere. They are already there—celestial, demoniacal and human. So one should understand all these three aspects of one’s being and how to interpret and apply this knowledge for one’s own benefit. Mark you, one’s own benefit. Spiritual truths should be applied only for one’s own benefit."


It is here that clarity is necessary, discrimination is necessary.

We all know the adage that the devil can quote scriptures to his own purpose.

The best scriptural quotations can be made use of in the worst way also.

They can be made use of in ways that are divine, that are demoniacal and in human ways as well.


For example, in my bathroom I have a little plastic picture of Mickey Mouse sitting in a one-man rowboat which is rapidly heading for a waterfall.

The title on it is "Perseverance."

We must persevere.

How?

When we reach a point and then say, "No, no, no, it’s no use me persevering, I am lost, I will be dashed against the rocks," –all these ideas will come—perseverance is the very last ounce of determined effort that you give.

And that one last determined effort somehow or other may be able to save you from the terrible current that is drawing you to the depths.

You should not simply give up.

SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDA
To be continued ....