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Not every one that swears by a book may be able to follow every- thing that is said therein; but if every one tries, society grows round the ideals. When a whole people revere certain ideals, life is furnished with standards of conduct that save men from becoming mere beasts of the field and they are held together. That we cannot be perfect is no objection to hold the light firstly in our hands, so that we may see our way amidst the shadows. Helped by Religion, men live like men even though, too often, erring.
Why, are not the rules of mere physical hygiene impossible of being followed to perfection? No one thinks of discarding the rules of physical hygiene as a string of impossibilities and counsels of perfection; but wise men and women try as far as they can to abide by them, and we profit thereby. So should it be also with the care and protection of the Soul.
There is nothing like waste of effort in this, nor is there any danger of retrogression by reason of shortcomings in practice. Even a little of this Dharma saves men from the great evil.
II-574
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