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Progress through Cleaning
Master's work includes cleaning and purifying the abhyasi to make
quick progress possible, and to consolidate that progress. What is it
that is cleaned? Master's general answer is that the whole system has
to be thoroughly cleaned. This includes the heart and the higher points
one after the other. The main work is on the heart and the heart region
where much of the samskaric residue lies buried in the form of grossness.
Our past impressions create tendencies in us which we find difficult
to change. When the impressions are cleared, the tendency can be changed
easily and, in many cases, automatically. Then thought and action become
correct and natural. Therefore to transmit is not enough. Cleaning is
very important. Otherwise the abhyasi may progress but the danger of
fall is always there because the impressions of the past can drag him
back. If progress is to be made permanent, purification of the
system is essential.
I asked Master how long this need for cleaning would exist. Master laughed
and said, "This depends on you. If there is complete co-operation
then the work is easy. Suppose I go on cleaning and the abhyasi goes
on adding more and more grossness, then what can I do?" So you
see, the abhyasi must co-operate too. He must modify his life in such
a way that it is helpful to his progress. Master has further clarified
that by impressions he means both good and bad ones. Good impressions
are no better than bad ones. Both are equally undesirable as they create
impediments to progress. This is a pointer to an important aspect of
Master's teaching. A good life, one that has been conducted on principles
of good conduct, charity, adherence to religious codes etc., is not
sufficient to make 'spiritual progress' possible. For this something
more than a life of mere social and ethical goodness is necessary.
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