Copyright © k.b.mann, from date of original creation: 19th May, 1999
Wherever there is the stench of egotism and selfishness, one may say that some degree of evil is present there. Evil and pain are related. Not only does evil bring pain to others, but its perpetrator, too, suffers pain. The pain which comes to the perpetrator is not only the pain of later karmic consequence, but it is also the deprivation of real joy due to the numbness, the insensitivity, that wrong action requires. One has to be insensitive, that is, devoid of empathy, or even sympathy, in order to inflict pain or harm on others.
Selfish enjoyments are jading and, therefore, numbing as well, because they, too, require a disregard for and an insensitivity concerning the effects on others. Numbness can be one of the greatest of all tortures. Numbness and jadedness have much in common. Both are calloused states of indifference and insensibility. Only selfishness, evil and vice can cause numbness and jadedness. Selfishness, which is the root of evil, is by its very nature intrinsically decadent and decay-producing. This is why those who continue remaining under its influence must end in some hell. Selfishness can be termed the most fatal road for any consciousness. Obviously, joy as well as pleasure are ultimately fully destroyed by it.
In view of this, it should be abundantly clear that though the wicked may be very clever, in essence, they are quite foolish or stupid. Is it not utterly witless to keep speeding blindly on a road which ends in a deep abyss? It is for this reason that wickedness and stupidity can be considered synonyms of a sort.
It is important to understand that Brahmānd is a teaching domain composed of many levels, including innumerous heavens and hells. The whole of Brahmānd, including every plane within it, is subject to decay and destruction only because of the active and potential wickedness present in the spirits whom it is meant to teach, ennoble and sublime. In brief, evil on any scale, collective or individual, causes withering and rot. It does not lead to youth, beauty, joy, pleasure or freshness – and certainly not to eternal life.
No one who is truly virtuous is ever bored, numb or indifferent. The Supreme Being is perfect goodness, and is eternally and absolutely sentient, ever perfectly fresh, sensible and sensitive. To the degree one is ‘good’, that is, virtuous, is the degree to which one possesses the three attributes of sentience, sensitivity, freshness. Perception of all things is vivid to the extent that these three qualities are present. Deep reflection, introspection and heartfelt prayer increase goodness and, therefore, sentience, virtue and sensitivity. These bring one to ever greater youthfulness, vitality and joy. Above all, they bring ever closer and closer to the Supreme Being, Who is the Font of all the very best.
That is all for now.
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