November 15, 2025
A man is known by his companions, for they do influence us, they awaken latent tendencies in us (good or bad, desirable or undesirable). A saint kindles saintliness and a criminal provokes sinfulness in us. But for them, these qualities would have "died" within us.
My guru, Swami Sivananda, used to say that even inert objects like dress and furniture can alter our behavior. A man wearing simple sandals walks gently; the same man wearing fashionable shoes has a different gait. When we talk of civilization, we imply a greater accumulation of, or intimate association with the machine. Yet does the machine civilize us, evoke civilized behavior in us?
Perhaps not.
Civilization and progress are not evils in themselves, but the abuse of machines that progress and civilization symbolize, can lead to evil consequences. Man should turn to nature, to simplicity, humility, humanity. Man should turn to God, the indweller, the inner ruler of humanity. Then will he become a peace lover, radiating and promoting peace.