THE DIVINE AND MANS MORAL RESPONSIBILITY

Q. If God has become all, is there no sin and virtue ?

A. Yes, there is, and at the same time there is not. As long as He preserves the ego in us, He retains in us also the apprehension of duality, and the consciousness of sin and virtue. But at times, in some, He completely wipes away the ego; then they go beyond all good and bad. So long as one does not Realise God, the perception of duality, and the idea of good and bad, are sure to exist. You may say in words that good and bad have all become equal to you, that you do just what He makes you do. But in your heart of hearts you know that all these are mere words. The moment you do some evil actions, your conscience will begin to prick you.

Q. If it is He who is actuating me to all actions, then I am not responsible for my sins. Am I ?

A. Duryodhana also said like that. He said " O Lord, Thou abidest in my heart, and I do as Thou

Sayings of Sri Bamakrishna

makest me do." But he who really believes that God alone is the doer and that he himself is only an instrument, cannot commit any sin. A perfect dancer never takes a wrong step. Indeed, till the heart becomes pure one cannot even believe in the existence of God.

A devotee: Sir, I have a doubt They say that our will is free; that is, we can do whatever we like—good, bad or otherwise. Is it true ?

The Master: Everything depends upon the Lord's will! This is all His play. He is making us do various things in various ways, good and bad, great and small, weak and strong—all these are ultimately from Him. Good men, bad men—all these are His Maya, His play. For instance, all the trees of a garden are not equal in height, beauty or grandeur.

So long as one does not realise God, one thinks that his will is free. But it is He who maintains this delusion in man. Otherwise there would have been a mighty increase of sins; people would not have feared to do evil, nor would there have been any punishment for crime or sin.

But do you know the attitude of him who has realised God? He says and feels: "1 am the machine, Thou art the mechanic; I am the house, Thou art the dweller; I am the chariot, Thou art the charioteer; I move as Thou makest me move; I speak what Thou makest me speak! "

God impels the thief to go and steal, and at the same time warns the householder against the thief. He does everything.