Skip to content
Browse articles

शीलन

Vol. 49 · No. 10October - 2001pp. 45–46Hindi
Selfless ServiceSpiritual KnowledgeTrue Wisdom

Summary

The text discusses the principle of "upadgraha" (likely a reference to a philosophical concept, possibly related to attachment or superimposition) and its application to the vibrations or tendencies of objects. It states that a person who fills their mind with useless knowledge violates this invaluable principle. Thoughts that turn one away from God or do not lead toward Him are obstacles on the path. The text references the 13th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, where true knowledge is explained as qualities like humility (amanitva), while everything else is considered ignorance. If this is true, and there is no doubt about its truth, then what people today embrace as knowledge is actually ignorance, and therefore, instead of any benefit, it only causes harm. It leads the mind astray, ultimately leaving it empty, spreading discontent, and increasing ruin. The author clarifies that this is not an advocacy for inertia. Every moment of life should be filled with mental or physical activity. However, this activity must be rational and truth-oriented. One who has dedicated their life to service cannot remain idle for a single moment. But one must distinguish between good activity and evil activity. The person engaged in service rarely attains this discernment. The text is attributed to Gandhi.

AI-assisted summary, not yet checked. Consult the original PDF before citing.

Conclusion

The implications of this document are profound, as it challenges the very foundation of what is commonly accepted as knowledge. It asserts that true wisdom lies not in the accumulation of information but in the cultivation of humility and selfless service, as taught in the Gita. The outcome of embracing this principle is a life of purpose and clarity, where every action is aligned with truth and righteousness. Conversely, the pursuit of superficial knowledge leads only to confusion, dissatisfaction, and harm. This text warns against the dangers of intellectual arrogance and emphasizes the need for discernment between beneficial and harmful activities. Ultimately, it calls for a life dedicated to service, where every moment is spent in meaningful, truth-oriented action, free from the distractions of false knowledge.

AI guide

Discuss this record

Ask about the article, its topics, issue context, selected passages, or reading strategy.

Start with the record

I can unpack the summary, turn it into study questions, explain a selected passage, or compare it with the other articles in this issue.

Original PDF

Inline viewer

Checking source PDF

The viewer will load here if the archive file is reachable.

Continue reading

Related articles

Jain Bharati

श्रम : आत्मोन्नति की साधना

May - 2009
Jain Bharati

गांधी : कर्म में नहीं, अकर्म में

January - 2007