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VOICE AND VISION The two brothers were returning home after twelve years of intensive and extensive study of the scriptures under a renowned scholar. The stamp of scholarship and contemplation was evident on their enlightened faces. Their home town was all agog to welcome them. The very air was permeated with gaiety and excitement. Only their father was silent and thoughtful.
In the evening he sent for his elder son and asked, “My son, you have drunk deep at the spring of knowledge but did you catch a glimpse of the Supreme inner self: Did your soul catch a spark of the Divine Fire?" His son poured out verses from the scriptures fast and free."That's enough my son; but this is mere repetition of what others have said. What spiritual experience did you have by your personal effort? You may go and send your brother.”
When the younger son was asked the same question, he replied, “Father, I know not how to answer. How can I circumscribe within the boundary of words something that is infinite by its very nature? Something that is essentially formless, cannot be given the form of mere words, neither can its serenity be expressed through turbulent words; it's something one can only visualise, not something one can voice.”
A smile of serenity, born of silent understanding lit up the father's face.
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