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THE PRACTICAL PATH.
excessive and early loss of semen directly leads to loss of bodily and mental vigour, and produces a kind of nervous paralysis which interferes materially with the concentration of mind and strength of will, the two necessary factors in the ascertainment and practising of
truth.' We thus observe that early marriage is equally condemnable from both the spiritual and secular points of view.
We now come to the principles governing the selection of one's associates in life-the nuptial partner, friends and the like. In this department also religion enjoins subordinating the worldly or sensual point of view to the spiritual, its aim being always to facilitate the onward progress of the soul towards the highest goal-nirvana. Obviously, if the husband and wife belong to two different persuations, or entertain mutually hostile beliefs, nothing like spiritual harmony can possibly result from their union; and the situation is no wise improved even when they both try to pull on together in the most commendable spirit of toleration, for toleration cannot possibly take the place of co-operation which is altogether excluded by the opposition of private convictions. It follows, therefore, that the selection of a suitable spouse must be made from one's own community, so as to ensure perfect accord and co-operation in respect of all matters, spiritual and temporal. The same principle governs the selection of all other associates, as far as practicable ; and even the caste system, which is so much denounced nowadays, is really the outcome of the rules laid down for satsanga (association).
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