The best advice for intellectual life is to never distance oneself from religion, never allow days to pass without reading or engaging in instructive practices that prevent the spirit from distancing itself from that which is superior. The habit must be imposed, that is, it must be continued when the mind shies away, so that it influences when one is not thinking, or has forgotten the influence it can exert. Forcing the routine means not letting weaknesses interrupt a gradual process that removes obstacles so that the intellect can flourish.
Category: Notes
Both Christian and Eastern Traditions…
Both Christian and Eastern traditions know very well that error weighs much less heavily on the layman than on the knower. That is why it is often said that one should reflect carefully before embarking on the path of renunciation: once the vow is made, the fall is certainly more severe, and often irreversible. So it is with matters of the spirit. Woe to those who, aware of the world, propose to renounce it. From that moment on, temptations will seem endless, camouflaged ever more subtly, always lurking in anticipation of the slightest assent, which seems like nothing, but which consummates betrayal forever. From then on, one falls and falls very deep without realizing it, one begins to make simple mistakes, long since overcome, and when the mind remembers, in a fortuitous flash, the old vow, the previous state of mind that no longer exists, it wants both, but can no longer have them, and perhaps never will again.
The Difficult Thing About Building a Personality…
The difficult thing about building a personality is that, most of the time, one has the feeling of being driven by circumstances, fulfilling inevitable obligations, and not exercising free will. Because of this, one lives without giving due weight to one’s actions, and does not view routine as the consequence of a personal choice. Undoubtedly, this is the greatest psychological advantage of sadhus and sannyasis: by burning all material ties, they can no longer feel compelled to do anything, nor forced by anyone. But one does not need to be so radical to realize that, after all, personal growth comes with responsibility, and this implies the awareness that, at all times, it is possible to choose.
Something Beautiful to See Is When…
Something beautiful to see is when a mature individual, already possessing enviable merits and recognized as excellent, puts himself in the position of a complete novice in some activity and displays the humility characteristic of someone who sincerely wants to learn. It is not uncommon for him to seem to renew his life by doing so, allowing the authentic joy of being a learner again to blossom on his face. To the observer, the scene is extremely inspiring. And one is left with the certainty that life is only truly appreciated by those who allow themselves to learn continuously.