Sai Baba Gita - Without Inner Vision they were Shoemakers not Scholars

September 23, 2004

Without Inner Vision they were Shoemakers not Scholars

Astavakra replied, "I entered this gathering thinking it to be a sacred assembly

convened by the famous Emperor Janaka to discuss the holy scriptures. If only I

had known what kind of people were attending this assembly, I would not have

bothered to come. I waited patiently for many days and then entered this hall

thinking that the greatest living scholars would be assembled here. I looked

forward to being in the company of such sacred souls. But, alas, I find nothing

but common cobblers here, only shoemakers, who stitch sandals and work with

leather."

When they heard this, all the scholars became furious, feeling deeply insulted

by Astavakra for using such abusive words. But Astavakra continued in the same

vein, "Cobblers is the proper word to describe you. Only cobblers, only people

who work with hides would think about the worth of a particular skin; others

will not be bothered about it. All of you are laughing at my skin and have

obviously decided that it is not worth much. But not even one of you has made

any effort to know my spiritual understanding. Pundits should have the capacity

to look inward, but you only seem to care about the outer covering. If you have

not developed your inner vision but are only concerned with the superficial

outer vision, then you cannot be considered scholars at all. Then you are only

cobblers, shoemakers, specialists in hides." Thus spoke Astavakra.

The scholars hung their heads in shame. King Janaka, who understood very well

what Astavakra was saying, invited him to take a seat in that assembly and

subsequently bestowed numerous honors upon him.

As was the case then, so is the case now throughout the world. However great

people may be, they have developed only the external vision. They do not bother

to cultivate the inner vision. When you examine a person, you pay attention to

his physical features, his wealth, his status, his education and degrees and so

on. On the other hand, when God examines a person, he looks at the purity of his

heart, he pays attention to the peace that is within him. You should also

develop such inner vision and inner peace. Whatever be the circumstances, you

should not be subject to quick excitement. You should allow time for the nobler

feelings to well up from inside you and manifest themselves.

Sai Baba Gita, Compiled and edited by Al Drucker - Published by Atma Press -

http://www.atmapress.com - ISBN: 0963844903Online Edition:

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