Noble Qualities from the Path for the Aspirant

More than all the previous Yugas, the Kaliyuga offers multifarious paths through which man can acquire discrimination or viveka. If it is education that is needed, there are as many schools and institutions as you need, and, if it is wealth that one is after, there are various avenues by which, with effort, it can be honourably earned. In spite of this, however, we do not find any increase in human happiness or peace. Indeed, there is much more misery than in previous ages!

What then is the reason? The reason lies in human behaviour, in man's way of living itself. Human life is undoubtedly the highest in evolution and to give it meaning, spiritual endeavour is essential, endeavour that is pure and holy. For this way of life, character is all important. Character makes life immortal; it survives even death. Some say knowledge is power, but it is not true. Character is Power. Even the acquisition of knowledge demands a good character. So, every one must yearn to attain flawless character, without any trace of evil.

Note that Buddha, Jesus Christ, Sankaracharya and Vivekananda, great Sages and Saints and Devotees of the Lord, all these are treasured in the memory of man even unto this day. What quality made them all memorable for all time? I say, it is the character of each one of them.

Without character, wealth, education, social status, all these are of no avail. It is the fragrance of the flower; it gives value and worth. Poets, painters, scientists may be great, each in his own field, but without character, they can have no standing in society.