7rcTIX1xP

A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga630
filling their places in life—playing out their parts in the divine scheme of
life. Their animal passions and desires are actions viewed sympathetically
and lovingly by the advanced soul, and nothing “Wrong” or disgusting is
seen there. And even the coarseness and brutality of the savage races are so
regarded by these advanced souls. They see everything as natural according
to the grade and degree of development of these people.
It is only when these advanced souls view the degeneracies of
“civilized” life that they feel sorrow and pain. For here they see instances
of devolution instead of evolution—degeneration instead of regeneration
and advancement. And not only do they know this to be the fact, but the
degenerate specimens of mankind themselves feel and know it. Compare
the expression of the animal or savage going through their natural life actions
and performances. See how free and natural are their expressions, how
utterly apart are evidences of wrong doing. They have not as yet found out
the fatal secret of Good and Evil—they have not as yet eaten the forbidden
fruit. But, on the contrary, look into the faces of the degenerates and fallen
souls of our civilized life. See the furtive glance and the self-consciousness
of “Wrong” evident in every face. And this consciousness of “Wrong” bears
heavily upon these people—it is heavier than the punishments heaped upon
them. That nameless something called “conscience” may be smothered for a
while, but sooner or later it comes to light and demands the pound of flesh
from its victim.
And yet you will say that it seems hard to think that the same thing can be
Right in one person and Wrong in another. This seems like a hard saying and
a dangerous doctrine, but it is the Truth. And man instinctively recognizes it.
He does not expect the same sense of moral responsibility in a young child,
or in a savage, that he does in a mature, developed, civilized man. He may
restrain the child and the savage, for self—protection and the welfare of all,
but he realizes the distinction, or at least should do so. And not only is this
true, but as man advances in the scale he casts off many ideas of “Wrong”
that he once held, having outgrown the old ideas and having grown into new