On deceitful ideas and suggestions

Q: Is it because there is something in our nature or in the surrounding atmosphere that doubts come and the results are not as before?

For both reasons. The physical mind has doubts inherent in it and they come up at one time or another. By contact with other people also, the faith gets obscured. I know one or two shocking instances in the Ashram itself. Once a truthful man came to pay a visit. Someone told him that the habit of always speaking the truth was nothing but a superstition and that one must be free to say whatever one likes. There is another instance of someone advocating sex-indulgence. He said that it was not a hindrance to Yoga and that everybody must have his Shakti! When such ideas are spread, it is no wonder they cast a bad influence on people.

Q: Shouldn’t those who broadcast these ideas be quarantined?

I thought of that. But it is not possible. The Mother tried at one time to impose restrictions and regulations; it didn’t work. One has to change from within. There are, of course, other Yogic systems which enforce strict disciplines. Buddhism is unique in that respect. In France also there is a school which enjoins rigorous silence.

– Sri Aurobindo