Karma-Yoga : Ch-5. Part-5.

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Chapter-5.


WE HELP OURSELVES, NOT THE WORLD :


Part-5.


The older we grow, the longer we are knocked about in the world, the more callous we become; and we are apt to neglect things that even happen persistently and prominently around us.

Human nature, however, asserts itself sometimes, and we are led to inquire into and wonder at some of these common occurrences; wondering thus is the first step in the acquisition of light.

Apart from the higher philosophic and religious value of the Word, we may see that sound symbols play a prominent part in the drama of human life.

I am talking to you.

I am not touching you; the pulsations of the air caused by my speaking go into your ear, they touch your nerves and produce effects in your minds.

You cannot resist this.

What can be more wonderful than this?

One man calls another a fool, and at this the other stands up and clenches his fist and lands a blow on his nose.

Look at the power of the word!

There is a woman weeping and miserable; another woman comes along and speaks to her a few gentle words, the doubled up frame of the weeping woman becomes straightened at once, her sorrow is gone and she already begins to smile.

Think of the power of words!

They are a great force in higher philosophy as well as in common life.

Day and night we manipulate this force without thought and without inquiry.

To know the nature of this force and to use it well is also a part of Karma-Yoga.


Swami Vivekananda

To be continued  ....


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