VI / vi – c

Abstention

*While repentance and forgiveness help us in escaping the effect of Kriyaman or day-to-day acts, we have yet to guard against future repetitions. No purificatory process can help us through unless we put a period to the incessant round of the karmic wheel that gets momentum from every act that we do.

At times a magistrate may award a lesser penalty for a crime but that may not ennoble the criminal. In the dispensation of the Master, there is always the stern admonition which is so very necessary an element in keeping a person on his guard. He has to wash a sinner clean so as to befit him for journey Homewards. Like a Master-sculptor, He has to chisel hard to bring shape and form out of a formless piece of stone.

In brief, it is necessary that we must first of all mould our life according to the instructions of the Master, and feel a genuine delight in thinking of Him. Secondly, we must understand His Will and pray for those things that are to His liking; and thirdly, we must learn to accept smilingly His decrees whatever they be.

Last but not the least, Love is the soil on which life thrives the most. Lover gives and never takes favours. If one tries to live a Godly Life, all God’s favours automatically flow down to him. One who loves God need not ask for any favour. It is enough for us to dedicate our very life to Him and become His bounden slave. It is up to Him to treat us as He wishes. To live in His Holy Presence is its own reward and there can be no reward greater and richer than this.

Downright heresy it is to pray, to ask God to take the calamity away.

Maulana Rumi

Thy frowns are fairer far than the smiles of many maidens are.

S.T. Coleridge

There is exhilarating sweetness even in Thy frowns, oh Master.

Guru Arjan, Suhi M5

* (This section is adjusted to the First Edition of 1959;
Editor’s Note 2011.)