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Metaphysics, Ethics and Spiritual Development
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goal and takes into account our present capacity and grade while showing the path leading to that goal so that we can make gradual progress from the stage where we are. It is quite obvious that the person who is hypocrite, ostentatious, destitute of knowledge, who lacks power of discrimination and discretion, and who hankers after fame can never be the right spiritual teacher. On the other hand, one who is calm and resolute, unruffled and unagitated, peaceful and equanimous, impartial and evenminded, wise and learned, great seer and noble expounder of spiritual truths, endowed with auspicious and wholesome desire for universal welfare, saintly and friendly, an embodiment of purity and righteousness, is the right spiritual teacher. Only that person who has crossed the ocean of passions can rescue others by properly instructing as to how to cross it. Such a spiritual teacher does not prescribe disciplinary practices beyond aspirant's capacity. He guides him properly on the path of spiritual progress. He does never advise us to take undue long strides or jump over several steps. On the contrary, he rightly and properly inspires us to advance steadily but firmly on the path of purification.
No man can live without activity, mental or bodily. All religious sects have devised in their own way religious activities or rituals in order to awaken in man religious sentiment or fervour. Thus the objective of rituals is to make man's life righteous. If rituals considered to be religious turn and lead man in the direction and on the path of righteousness, then they fulfil their objectives for which they are devised and meant; this is a very important point everyone should always bear in mind. We should know that to quarrel on and not to tolerate different kinds of rituals prevalent among peoples of various religious sects is the sign of ignorance. We should firmly understand that any religious activity or ritual (of any sect or religion), which includes recalling to mind and praising of good qualities of the Supreme Divinity, confession and repentance of one's faults and sins, and manifestation of the noble desire for spiritual welfare is self-purifying and self-elevating.
Human birth, cultured family and country, strong bodily structure and constitution--all these are commonly expected to achieve spiritual progress; hence they could be regarded as its expected causes. If man, though blessed with these factors making his efforts easy to achieve spiritual progress, does not employ them in achieving that objective, then he will
1. svayam taras tārayitum kşamaḥ paran /
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