- Senses
The senses cannot perceive Reality; but accept it, on faith.
- The Spirit behind
Whatever service is done for mankind is accepted by God.
The poor man, the sick man, the downtrodden person whom we serve - are nothing but God Himself who comes to us in these forms in order to give the opportunities to purify our hearts.
You may not have the wealth to give or the knowledge and faculties to offer; but if you offer a flower, some fruit or a glass of water to someone in need, this is acceptable to God.
A glass of water to a thirsty man is more valuable than hundreds of pounds to an institution.
Quality rather than quantity is necessary, and it is the spirit behind the action that matters.
- Veda
Honestly, much of the Knowledge that the Veda constitutes has taken on a new garb.
Though we do insist that that Knowledge is eternal, we do not demand that it should always be carried on in its crystallised or rather fossilised state.
Dr. Radhakrishnan in his "Principal Upanishad" has compared the Bible with the Upanishad.
I personally feel that, in course of time, Christianity and even modern science will be integrated into the Hindu way of thinking.
This process of perpetual research does not mean that the original foundation is weak; but our religion de mands that, in order to realise that the Reality, is Infinite, the Centre can be approached in innumerable ways and we should take a look at the same Reality from different angles.
That is the strength of our religion - Veda or Knowledge therefore includes and integrates all fundamental sciences.
- Heart
Temple is a building - if it is used as a hospital it will be called so!
Only heart cannot change. God dwells in it.
- Guru and disciple
To tune in, you have to be of the same nature. Only if you are of the same nature as the Guru, will you receive His Grace.
As in -
(1) water mingles with water because of sameness of nature (perfect yogi)
(2) milk partly mingles with water, though partly retains its individuality (first class spiritual aspirant = sattvic)
(3) honey mingles with water after a lot of heating (the rajasic aspirant, who strives hard through service to become one with the Guru)
(4) stone will never mix with water - it is of entirely different nature (tamasic type of worldly man).