Morality - Foundation for Progress - Religion Is Three Fourths Character 01

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Morality - Foundation for Progress - Religion Is Three Fourths

Character Part 01

 

 

Morality is the foundation for spiritual progress. It is the

prerequisite for the journey, the first step. If we do not live a

moral life, our pursuit of advanced practices is meaningless. Yet

today many people desire quick character changes and miraculous

results before developing even basic virtues. Righteousness

and character are the essential qualifications for the journey.

 

" Religion is three fourths character.No person can claim to be

religious if he merely observes the sacraments and rules, and fails

to be upright and compassionate " Baba

 

Virtuous character is the driving force of every dedicated aspirant.

However knowledgeable, devoted, or active we may be,if we lack virtue

we are destined to fail. Moral strength reflects our practice of

universal values and endows us with a willingness to act on what we

have learned. It demonstrates a personality that integrates the

various facets of our discipline. Only a strongly integrated

personality is capable of great achievement.

 

It is often declared that knowledge is power. No.No. Character is

power. Nothing can be more powerful on Earth than character. Riches,

scholarship, status, authority are all frail and flimsy before it.

 

Today many teachers present courses for " quick " spiritual development

that do not address this essential first step. They prescribe

breathing exercises,postures or spiritual meditations for new

students without imposing any preliminary qualifications of virtuous

character. But advanced practices cannot yield realization of our

divine nature without adherence to basic standards of right conduct.

 

" You may do the most rigorous japa (repetition of the name of the

Lord) or submit yourself to the direst of austerities, but if you are

not virtuous, all of it is sheer waste " Baba

 

It is impossible for aspirants to seek their advanced degrees without

first learning the alphabet of virtue. Higher degrees may be obtained

only after first learning the basics. Living a moral life is the

essential first step in reducing egoism. If we do not conquer selfish

desires, there is no hope for us to expand beyond the small perimeter

of ourselves. The modern cults of body and personality cater to the

lower self. This trend needs to be reversed. Consideration of and

service to others is required on the spiritual path.

 

" Morality, a virtuous character: these are the very foundations of

progress, the very basic needs. They grow in the realm of the spirit.

But, today, the spirit is neglected. Physical and animal needs are

catered to. They are accepted as the ends of living; all efforts are

directed to these " Baba

 

Continued...Morality - Foundation for Progress - What Is Morality? 02