Microsoft Word - Taimni - The Science of Yoga.doc

when doubts arise whether it is feasible or advisable to practise that particular virtue in
the particular situation which has arisen. Considerations of class, place, time or occa-
sion may be involved in these situations and the Sadhaka may find it difficult to decide
what should be done under those circumstances. Take for illustration the following
hypothetical situations. A friend of yours whom you know to be innocent is going to
be hanged but can be saved if you tell a lie. Should you tell that lie? (occasion). Ac-
cumulation of wealth and its proper distribution is the Dharma of a Vaisya according
to Hindu Varnasrama Dharma. Should a Vaisya who aspires to be a Yogi, therefore,
relax his vow with regard to Aparigraha, and continue to amass wealth? (class). Your
country is at war with another. Should you join the army and agree to kill the nationals
of the enemy as you are required to do? (time). You have to go to the Arctic region
where it is necessary to kill animals for food. Are you free to modify your vow with
regard to Ahimsa in the peculiar circumstances in which you are placed? (place). Hun-
dreds of such questions are bound to arise in the life of the would-be Yogi and he may
sometimes be in doubt whether the five vows are to be practised strictly or exceptions
can be made under special circumstances. This Sutra sets at rest all such doubts by
making it absolutely clear that no exceptions can be allowed in the practice of the
Great Vow as the five vows are called collectively. He may be put to great inconven-
ience, he may have to pay great penalties in the observance of these vows—even the
extreme penalty of death—but none of these vows may be broken under any condi-
tions. Even if life has to be sacrificed in the observance of his vow he should go
through the ordeal cheerfully in the firm conviction that the tremendous influx of spiri-
tual power which is bound to take place under these conditions will far outweigh the
loss of a single life. He who is out to unravel the Ultimate Mystery of life has to risk
his life in doing the right on many occasions, and considering the tremendous nature of
the achievement which is at stake the loss of one or two lives does not matter. Besides,
he should know that in a Universe governed by Law and based on Justice no real harm
can come to a person who tries to do the right. When he has to suffer under these cir-
cumstances it is usually due to past Karma and it is therefore better to go through the
unpleasant experience and have done with the Karmic obligation for good. Usually, the
problems which arise are meant only to test us to the utmost and when we show our
determination to do the right thing at any cost they are resolved in the most unexpected
manner.