Questions and Answers

05-28-2005, 08:16 AM

THE MAHARSHI

Right and Wrong
Q.: If it is a question of doing something one considers wrong, and
thereby saving someone else from a great wrong, should one do it or
refrain?
Bhagavan: What is right and wrong? There is no standard by which to
judge something to be right another to be wrong. Opinions differ
according to the nature of the individual and according to the
surroundings. They are again ideas and nothing more. Do not worry
about them. But get rid of thoughts. If you always remain in the
right, then right will prevail in the world.
(The devotee was not satisfied with this answer and asked for further elucidation.)
Sri Bhagavan then pointed out that to see wrong in another is one's
own wrong. The discrimination between right and wrong is the origin
of sin. One's own sin is reflected outside and the individual in
ignorance superimposes it on another. The best course for one is to
reach the state in which such discrimination does not arise. Do you
see wrong or right in your sleep? Be asleep even in the wakeful
state, abide as the Self and remain uncontaminated by what goes on
around. Moreover, however much you might advise them, your hearers
may not rectify themselves. Be in the right yourself and remain
silent. Your silence will have more effect than your words or deeds.

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