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THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
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that is to be known, namely, the Science of the Soul. We have considered the physical encasement superior to everything else, and are doing our best to study its comforts, forgetting that the real enjoyer is not the body at all, but something of which the body is merely an objectified expression. If the body were the enjoyer, it ought to go on enjoying its comforts even after death, but it is obvious that no dead body is ever anxious to be propped up on cushions, or to be clothed in purple and silk. We should not find it difficult now to comprehend why every one who looks at a woman with lust is as much guilty as if he had actually committed adultery with her. Mere entertaining of a lustful thought suffices to set up harmful vibrations which must produce their full effect, unless countermanded, in time, by more powerful vibrations of holy thought.
The actual commission of adultery would have added but one more of such evil influences to those already called into existence. This is how every thought is punished or rewarded. You entertain evil thoughts, and you suffer for them, here or hereafter. If, on the other hand, your thoughts are healthy, you get your reward in the increase of vigour and life. As you sow, 80 shall you reap. This is how the punishment of sin*
* The secret of sin is well-expressed in the following from the Akaranga Sutra:-"Certainly that man who engages in worldly affairs, who practises many tricks, who is bewildered by his own doings, acts again and again on that desire which increases his unrighteousness. Hence the above has been said for the increase of this life." And the commentator adds : "For sinful acts injure the bodies of living beings; therefore they are increased by oui abstaining from sin."-(Sacred Books of the East, Vol. XXII.)
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