All major educational institutes of the world have entrance tests. These tests are there to judge whether the student qualifies to gain the knowledge he is applying for. Every kind of knowledge demands a certain aptitude, without which he is considered unfit to take up that course. The knowledge of the Gita is a subjective science and therefore difficult to grasp unless the student has the quietude of mind and a control of the senses to receive it. In verse 67 of the last chapter of the Gita the Lord forbids his student to pass on this sacred knowledge to those who do not have the ability to absorb it. This is not discriminatory but a judicious advice, which, if not followed, will be like sowing seeds upon rocks which the rock can never germinate, nor the sower can ever reap.
The verse translates as: “This is never to be spoken by you to one who is devoid of austerities or devotion, nor to one who does not render service, nor to one who desires not to listen, nor to one who cavils at me, or talks ill of me.”
These are not some kind of unfair tariffs raised as walls to protect the treasure house of the Gita knowledge, but “these qualifications are essential adjustments in the inner personality of the student”, so that his whole personality is tuned up to listen carefully and absorb deeply and meaningfully, making the instructions a part of his daily life.
How meaningfully refreshing this is against forced conversions, whether by violence or by promises of certain conveniences or monetary gains. Such forced acts may increase numbers of that faith, but can never contribute to “self development and inner unfoldment” of any being. This is because the forced convert always harbours “a secret disrespect” for an imposed philosophy.
-
Prarthna Saran is President, Chinmaya Mission, Delhi.
