December 17, 2023
Scriptures and teachers, fasts and festivals, discourses and dramas serve a very useful purpose. They sow seeds of virtue which even the vicious people occasionally pick up, though they participate in the festivities or handle scriptures for several disparate reasons. The seeds germinate into 'the other point of view' with which the wicked do not easily and readily agree. Wise ones do not argue. Argument only begets more argument, not understanding. But the initial encounter is not entirely futile. Gathering knowledge becomes a sort of hobby with some of these worldly people - they are no longer so wicked. They are often not persuaded to act on that knowledge - that is a frightening prospect to them. There is no loss however. The germinated plant has to grow ... in God's good time.
The next is a rather interesting, ironical and paradoxical phenomenon. The young tree may yet produce some blossoms and may provide some shelter. At some stage he who has some knowledge of spiritual 'ideas' is eager to share these with others. They are ideas not experiences. The sharing may have its own unspiritual motivation. Yet, it is a movement in the right direction. Sooner or later, the 'truth' of the teaching is brought home - life has its own magic cure (pain!) for the blindness of stupidity. Everything and everyone matures - and maturity instantly transforms 'ideas' entertained into 'truths' to be lived.
On the other hand, even unselfish religious men may find themselves in a strange predicament. Unavoidable reasons may prevent them from acting according to their own teachings. Yet, they realise that the truth is true - even if it is not reflected in their own lives. They are not reluctant to proclaim the truth, even if it is 'against' themselves. For instance, during a winter in Rishikesh Swami Sivananda addressed a gathering of spiritual aspirants. It was cold and his body was ailing. He was clad in an overcoat. Yet he roared: "Blessed are they that are clad only in a loin cloth."
However, it is when one has had direct experience of a truth that his or her words have the power to bring about a radical transformation in the hearts of his students. Such was Swami Sivananda. His teachings move the responsive heart, transcending time and space, and without the need for a personal encounter.