| 21.
If this lifeless water without can confer such serenity on my mind,
how much deeper the peace if, in the valley of the mind, there
should spring up the living stream of bhakti and jnana!
Once a friend of mine was wandering in
Kashmir, among the Himalayas. He used to write to me describing the
holy mountains and lovely streams there. I replied to him,
"These streams and mountain ranges and sweet air that give you
peerless joy, I can experience them all in my heart. I behold these
lovely sights constantly in the world within. That is why, though
you invite me, I shall not leave behind the bliss of this divine
Himalaya."
"sthaavaraanaam himaalayah."
The Lord declared, "Among mountains I
am Himalaya." One worships the Himalaya, the symbol of
steadfastness, in order to attain steadfastness. And if on hearing
its description, I deserted my post of duty, what would I gain?
22. The meaning of it all is that
we should calm the mind a little. If one looks at the world with
friendly eyes, a perennial stream will spring in the heart, divine
stars will shine in the inner firmament. When the mind gains peace
from the sight of sacred objects made of stone and clay, will it not
do so by the vision of the inner world? |
