- Ritual
Form is necessary. But when the spirit dies, there is only a dead body!
- Sincerity
Beware of the man who demands that you should set an example - he does not mean to follow you! He wants to hide his own viciousness and keep your wisdom at a respectable distance by sealing your lips with the words "your life should be exemplary before you preach." Even if your conduct rises up to his expected exemplariness, do you think he will follow you? No.
He will applaud you, garland you - and go his own way, unaffected by your example! Truly, he is setting you an example. Go your own way all the time and if people are sincere they will follow you anyway!
- Chosen by God
In the Gita and the Kathopanishad we come across the phrase: I choose the devotee on whom Self-realisation is bestowed.
Is God then subject to eccentricities like the human being? No.
It is obvious that the ego cannot realise God.
It is only when the ego is surrendered that God-realisation is attained, and after this total surrender there is no egotistic personality with which to take the Final Step.
The 'I' is dead and the dead body falls at the Feet of God.
It cannot then embrace Him.
It has to be raised to a state of Union with Him.
That is what He does.
Self-realisation is therefore a natural corollary to self-surrender.
- Karma
Karma theory is purely a Law of physics. It affects only the physical and chemical parts of the being. Mind may associate itself with the body and be subject to karmic operation, or with the spirit - and be above it.
- I and You
I always expect to find all virtues in you.
I know why I erred last time and find an excuse to do it again.
Virtue is something we expect to find in others.
Vice is something we are ready to forgive to ourselves!