Spiritual Instruction - ch. 2 , Practice [ Abhyasa ] - 13

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26. Just as the Sage's past karma is the cause of his present activities

will not the impressions (vasanas) caused by his present activities

adhere to him in future?

 

Only one who is free from all the latent tendencies (vasanas) is a Sage.

That being so how can the tendencies of karma affect him who is entirely

unattached to activity?

 

27. What is the meaning of brahmacharya?

 

Only enquiry into Brahman should be called brahmacharya.

 

28. Will the practice of brahmacharya which is followed in conformity

with the (four) orders of life (asramas) be a means of knowledge?

 

As the various means of knowledge, such as control of senses, etc.,

are included in brahmacharya the virtuous practices duly followed by

those who belong to the order of students (brahmacharins) are very

helpful for their improvement.

 

29. Can one enter the order of ascetics (sanyasa) directly from

the order of students (brahmacharya)?

 

Those who are competent need not formally enter the orders of brahmacharya,

etc., in the order laid down. One who has realized his Self does not distinguish

between the various orders of life. Therefore no order of life either helps

or hinders him.

 

30. Does an aspirant (sadhaka) lose anything by not observing

the rules of caste and orders of life?

 

As the attainment (anusthana, lit. practice) of knowledge is the supreme

end of all other practices, there is no rule that one who remains in any

one order of life and constantly acquires knowledge is bound to follow

the rules laid down for that order of life. If he follows the rules of caste

and orders of life he does so for the good of the world. He does not derive

any benefit by observing the rules.

Nor does he lose anything by not observing them.