The
Second Chapter
EVERY
man naturally desires knowledge. (2) Indeed a humble rustic
who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects
his soul to study the course of the stars. (3) He who knows
himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy
when praised by men.
If
I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would
it profit me before God Who will judge me by my deeds?
Shun
too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much
fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned
and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge
of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns
himself about other things than those which lead to salvation
is very unwise.
Many
words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind
and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God.
The
more you know and the better you understand, the more severely
will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy.
Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill.
Rather, fear because of the talent given you. If you think
you know many things and understand them well enough, realize
at the same time that there is much you do not know. Hence,
do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer
yourself to anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured
than you?
If
you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then
love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know
and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel. To
think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and
highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore,
if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do
not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long
you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you
must admit that none is more frail than yourself.
Prabuddha
Bharata>>>
Vedanta
Kesari>>>
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