The boys' enthusiasm for God, however wild, should never be curbed. On the contrary, the best attempts should always be made to create in the boys a deep-rooted longing for divine upliftment. Never mind if all the boys go mad with uncontrollable enthusiasm and impulses about spiritual matters. The aim of this institution is more to create divine mad ones than academic degrees. And I prefer the former to the latter.
Of course, all the boys could not be expected to become [saints] like Dhruva and Prahlad, but certainly some of them will take to the spiritual life in the later period of their lives; the rest will also follow after some lifetimes, if not earlier.1 The result of the present training will fructify in the end in all cases. Even temporary impulses and sparks of enthusiasm about God-realization hold some result. It is like a cash balance in one's account in the bank, which is utilized beneficially at sometime or other in connection with one's spiritual advancement.
Adults rarely attain lasting enthusiasm or longing. When I give a fascinating discourse or logical explanation about divine grandeur or spiritual bliss, even adults certainly become fired up with a longing to search for Truth and to fathom the secrets of the universe. But unhappily, their ardor and enthusiasm do not last long. The impulse of the moment rises and falls quickly in the absence of instant results. However, if a man were to advance toward Truth, experiencing different aspects and novelties of the Path, his enthusiasm would remain pitched at the same level.
Seeing extraordinary sights or having extraordinary experiences maintains the longing for Truth, but puts great obstacles in front of real advancement. A strong tea provides a very good stimulant to the tired nerves, but it causes no real improvement in health; on the contrary, the general health is usually undermined with strong stimulants. Therefore, a person should not strive after the novelties, lights and powers of the Path, which are many. The goal of life, the Realization of Truth, should always be the only longing and desire of anyone.
But even the temporary impulses of adults are not to be considered insignificant. However small or little the attempt in connection with finding the Truth, and whether physical or mental, it forms a valuable asset. The varying impressions of sin and virtue are spent, but spiritual impressions are not and always remain to one's credit — ever increasing, but never decreasing.
Footnotes
- 1.Dhruva was a Hindu saint, a prince and, according to mythology, was blessed to eternal existence and glory as the Pole Star (Dhruva Nakshatra) by Vishnu. The story of Dhruva's life is often told to children as an example of perseverance, devotion, steadfastness, and fearlessness. Prahlad's story is told in the Puranas. He was tortured by his father, a cruel king, for his staunch faith in Lord Vishnu.