In English
The first step in spiritual discipline
Of course, it is only at the end of a long and systematic process of spiritual practice that you will get fixed in the truth; until then, you are apt to identify yourself with this body and forget that the body, which casts a shadow, is itself a shadow. The first step in spiritual practice is adherence to (righteousness) in every individual and social act. The that is followed in relation to the objective world will automatically lead on to in the spiritual field also; only you must stick to it through thick and thin. When in the blindness of his fury slaughtered the children of the , , who caught him prisoner, threatened to cut off his head; but , the bereaved mother, interceded to save him! She said it was not to return murder for murder, to slay the son of one’s own . Such steadfastness is needed in the path of ; that alone is the sign of true surrender: “Let the Will of the Lord prevail; one’s duty is but to connect oneself with the current of His Grace.” While in jail, the prisoner cannot call even his clothes his own; so too, while in this jail serving your term, what can you call your own? He gives you food and clothing. He lets you go when the sentence ends, or perhaps sooner if He is pleased by your behaviour while in prison.