In English
Intellect has to serve for higher purposes
No one can live for himself. He is involved with parents, kinsmen, friends, foes, society, countrymen, etc., in ever widening circles. Buddhists declare, "I take refuge in the . I take refuge in the . I take refuge in (virtue)." The first is the involvement with the reality in one's own individual self. One must examine oneself whether he lives according to a mind, free from polluting thoughts and feelings. is the symbol of the awakened intellect. Is the intellect sharp enough for clear discrimination? This must be one's question to oneself. For, even an insane person asks for food when hungry. His intellect is alert for limited purposes. But, it has to serve far higher purposes for man. The second stage is refuge in the . Just as one yearns for and works towards securing property, welfare and 'happiness for oneself, one must also yearn for and work towards securing these very things for the (society) to which one belongs. Without society to guard and guide, the individual is lost, like a drop of oil on an expanse of water. One's welfare is based on the welfare of society. The welfare of a particular society is based on the welfare of the country. The third stage is refuge in the . means the vesture of the Cosmos, that which is its very nature, namely, or Divine Love. When one seeks refuge in Love that sustains and promotes progress, the individual, the society and world become a sublime Trinity. When asked which is the most valuable object, people will answer everywhere, 'diamond' or 'gold'. Of course, these have much value, but who gave such high value to them? The rough crude diamond is cut and polished by whom? Who discovers the veins in the rocks that lie deep down and powders them to sift the grains of gold? The gold thus mined and refined has become the basis for international dealings. Diamond and gold are only material things; man has made them precious. But, man is really the most valuable being on earth. He has recognised his uniqueness and importance for, he declares, . In spite of this awareness, man desecrates himself by bartering himself for trivial pleasures.