Jnana-Yoga :2-15.

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CHAPTER -2. THE REAL NATURE OF MAN : 15.
(Delivered in London)

15.
This is the basis of all ignorance that we, the immortal, the ever pure, the perfect Spirit, think that we are little minds, that we are little bodies; it is the mother of all selfishness.

As soon as I think that I am a little body, I want to preserve it, to protect it, to keep it nice, at the expense of other bodies; then you and I become separate.

As soon as this idea of separation comes, it opens the door to all mischief and leads to all misery.

This is the utility that if a very small fractional part of human beings living today can put aside the idea of selfishness, narrowness, and littleness, this earth will become a paradise tomorrow; but with machines and improvements of material knowledge only, it will never be.

These only increase misery, as oil poured on fire increases the flame all the more.

Without the knowledge of the Spirit, all material knowledge is only adding fuel to fire, only giving into the hands of selfish man one more instrument to take what belongs to others, to live upon the life of others, instead of giving up his life for them.

Swami Vivekananda
To be continued  ...



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