Satyopanisad

[Guest guest]

Swami! It is our common experience that some of us are quite good for sometime,

devoted, disciplined and dutiful especially when we are here in your proximity.

Then, why do we change when we are somewhere else? What happens to all that we

learn here? Why do we lose sacred qualities like sincerity, devotion and

steadfastness when we are away? Kindly pardon our mistakes and let us know the

causes of our downfall?

 

This is a wrong statement. Sincerity, devotion, discipline, steadfastness and

all the noble qualities that you claim to have possessed while you are here are

not true and natural. They are artificial. They are like plastic flowers that

are not fragrant and cannot attract bees. It is all your show or trick. God is

never carried away by these artificial, temporary, and external features. God

looks into your heart and internal nature.

 

You say that circumstances change you. If noble qualities were really present in

you, you wouldn't change due to the change of circumstances. No change in the

environment will ever affect you. Truly, the mistake lies in you only. You don't

have strong faith and conviction. In fact, the seeds are there lying underground

and are waiting to sprout at an appropriate time. Environment has no legs and

hands and life to move about like you!

 

You are now here in Kodaikanal. You are fully clothed, with sweaters and shawls,

rugs and blankets and all the woollen stuff to keep you warm in this cold place.

If you don't have warm clothes, whose fault is it? Whom would you blame then?

Similarly, you know how challenging and testing, life is in the world today. It

is your own responsibility to carry with you the blanket of duty, the rug of

devotion and wear the sweater of discipline whenever you are exposed to the

severe cold winds of neglect of duty, disobedience of God's commands, and

vagaries of ego and disbelief. Wearing this warm woollen clothing, you will not

be affected by the cold climate: You have to protect yourself, and blaming the

environment is of no use. If good thoughts and good behaviour are in you, you

will remain unaffected, whatever be your surroundings.