The Hereafter does not shine before those who are lacking in the power of
discrimination and are easily carried away therefore by the charm of fleeting
objects. As children are tempted by toys, so they are tempted by pleasure,
power, name and fame. To them these seem the only realities. Being thus
attached to perishable things, they come many times under the dominion of
death. There is one part of us which must die; there is another part which
never dies. When a man can identify himself with his undying nature, which is
one with God, then he overcomes death.


VII

He about whom many are not even able to hear, whom many cannot
comprehend even after hearing: wonderful is the teacher,
wonderful is he who can receive when taught by an able teacher.

Throughout the Vedic Scriptures it is declared that no one can impart
spiritual knowledge unless he has realization. What is meant by realization?
It means knowledge based on direct perception. In India often the best
teachers have no learning, but their character is so shining that every one
learns merely by coming in contact with them. In one of the Scriptures we
read: Under a banyan tree sat a youthful teacher and beside him an aged
disciple. The mind of the disciple was full of doubts and questions, but
although the teacher continued silent, gradually every doubt vanished from the
disciple's mind. This signifies that the conveying of spiritual teaching does
not depend upon words only. It is the life, the illumination, which counts.
Such God-enlightened men, however, cannot easily be found; but even with such
a teacher, the knowledge of the Self cannot be gained unless the heart of the
disciple is open and ready for the Truth. Hence Yama says both teacher and