What is Knowledge : Ch-8-18.

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Chapter-8 : Control of the Instruments of Knowledge.18


Thus, while pratyahara should imply a sort of austere living even socially and physically, it is not enough, because the process of pratyahara, or restraint of the senses, is not shutting the mouth of the conscious impulse.

“Don’t speak. Keep quiet.” If we say this to the conscious impulse, it may be frightened for the time being because of the orders that we have issued, but a frightened person is really not a subordinate person, because we cannot impose fear upon anyone and then get work done for all time.

The result of such an order or a mandate that we issue by the power of our will may appear to be successful for a few days, or even for a few months or maybe even for a few years, as we can put a bund across a flowing river and prevent its flow further on, but we know very well what will happen to the restrained waters if they are held like that for a long time.

They may break the bund, and go anywhere they like.

Swami Krishnananda
  To be continued ....\


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