In English
Inner cleanliness is Godliness
When you stand before another, his image is in your eye, and your image is in his; haven’t you observed this? You are in me, I am in you, that is the truth this phenomenon proclaims. When you have faith in this, and when you cultivate love, humility, reverence for life, and tolerance, you are on the right path. When you are not on this path, that is to say, when you are travelling left, you are certainly left out, when it is a question of sharing Divine Grace. The body is the temple of God, isn’t it? Well. What does the priest do in the temple every day? First, he cleans the utensils and sacred vessels in the shrine. He sweeps the room and washes the altar. The senses are the utensils for the of the God within; they have to be cleaned and assiduously kept free from dirt. Inner cleanliness is Godliness. That is possible only through sense-control, and mind-control; or what amounts to the same , dedication of all desires and activities to God. There are various habits which can be learnt in order to ensure equanimity. When some one insults you or defames you or ignores you, accept it with a smile; this is the way of the world; it is basically ungrateful, ill-mannered, they are doing me a good turn, my strength is under trial, I should not yield to anger or resentment, tell yourself such invigorating things, and be quiet, with a smile of triumph on your lips. There was a (mendicant) once who was roundly abused by a gang of mischievous young men. He said, “Carry on! Enjoy yourselves! I see that you are very happy at the chance. This is exactly what I desire for you.” When you do not accept the insult some one casts on you, it goes back to the person who indulged in it first; a registered letter that is not accepted returns to the sender. Do not damage your mental peace, by receiving the letter and reading the contents. Refuse to receive it. You have a chance of correcting the wrong-doers too; accept it and you join the gang of mischief- makers. So, be warned!