Chapter 1Mental Development and Sadhana · The Development of the Mind

sadhak; it can also be pursued along with the sadhana on condition that it is not given too big a place and does not interfere with the one important thing, the sadhana itself.

* To have a developed intellect is always helpful if one can enlighten it from above and turn it to divine use.

* A well-developed intellect is one which is plastic, wide, free from rigidity and stiffness, — that can be of use.

* It [a developed mind] may or may not [help the sadhana] — if it is too intellectually developed on certain rationalistic lines, it may hinder.

* The tendency to inquire and know is in itself good, but it must be kept under control. What is needed for progress in sadhana is gained best by increase of consciousness and experience and of intuitive knowledge.

* To be interested in outward things is not wrong in itself — it depends on the way in which one is interested. If it is done as part of the sadhana, looking on them from the true consciousness, then they become a means for the growth of the being. It is that that matters, to get the true consciousness — and it is this that comes in you when you have the sense of the Peace and the working of the Force in it. There is no real reason for discontent or dissatisfaction with yourself — since progress is being made in spite of the resistance of the lower forces. The pressure which is translated by the heaviness in the stomach has to be got rid of — it is there that there is the chief resistance still. Peace within and a cheerful confidence and gladness without is what is wanted — then this kind of nervous pressure and disorder would cease.

* It does not help for spiritual knowledge to be ignorant of the things of this world.