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The Bhagavad Gita1406
delivereth one from great fear and danger, because in this branch of
knowledge there is but a single object, upon which the mind may safely
concentrate.
“Many are they, who, saturating themselves with the letter of the spiritual
writings and teachings, and failing to catch the true spirit thereof, take great
delight in technical controversies regarding the text. Hair-splitting definitions
and abstruse interpretations are the pleasures and amusements of such men.
Such are tainted with worldly lusts, and, therefore, incline toward a belief
in a heaven filled with objects and employments in accordance with their
desires and tastes, instead of the final spiritual goal of all great souls. Flowery
words, and imposing ceremonies are invented by these people, and, among
them, there is much talk of rewards for this observance, and punishment
for that lack of it. To these whose minds incline to such teachings, the
use of the concentrated, determined reason and the still higher Spiritual
Consciousness, is unknown.
“The object of the spiritual teachings is the instruction of the thoughtful
ones to the end that they may rise above these Three Qualities or Gunas. Be
thou free from them, O Arjuna! Free thyself from the pairs of opposites—
the changeful things of finite life; and careless about the same dwelleth thou
in the consciousness of the Real Self. Be free from worldly anxiety, and the
fierce cravings for material possessions. Be self-centered and uncontrolled
by the illusions of the finite world.
“Just as does the full water-tank, when drawn upon, supply the crystal
fluid which will fill every vessel according to its shape and size, so do the
spiritual teachings, when drawn upon, furnish just what is needed to fill the
mind of the earnest student, according to the degree and character of its
development.
“So rule thy actions and thought that thy motive be Right Doing rather
than the Reward which may come from the action. Be not moved by hope
or expectation of what may come as the result of thy action. But also must