Chapter 111299–302

not from the public battle; yet even there appropriate5 the strength of thy adversary.

302 – When thou hearest an opinion that displeases thee,

study and find out the truth in it.

If you sincerely want to live according to the Truth, you must know that you can learn from everything and that you have the possibility of making progress at every moment. A great stupidity can often reveal a great light to you, if you know how to see it.

24 January 1970 303 – The mediaeval ascetics hated women and thought they

were created by God for the temptation of monks. One may be allowed to think more nobly both of God and of woman.

304 – If a woman has tempted thee, is it her fault or thine? Be

not a fool and a self-deceiver.

305 – There are two ways of avoiding the snare of woman;

one is to shun all women and the other to love all beings.

What should be the ideal of a modern woman in ordinary life?

In ordinary life, women can have all the ideas they like, it is not very important.6 5 Possible alternative reading: appreciate. 6 Later, Mother added, “For women, in ordinary life, the ideal is good health and harmony.”