Existence is Revealed by Contemplation Alone

By Hari Prasad Shastri

The human mind has two purposes. Its lower function is to work for the preservation of the species, and its higher function is to know the Truth and be free. Souls not yet developed devote their mental faculties to their individual and selfish ends, that is, they work for the sustenance and preservation of their own biological and physical existence as individuals, and unconsciously, perhaps, for the preservation of the species. But developed minds devote themselves to the discovery of the spiritual Truth.

This is a question needing careful study and profound thought. The prima facie view is, ‘I live, and what contributes to my own well being is good for me.’ This idea includes the development of nationalism. In the recent history of the world, no idea has brought so much misery to man as this exaggerated sense of individualism and nationalism.

Thinkers from the time of Hegel have held that the purpose of the individual is to contribute to the good of society and no more. This is a mischievous way of thinking. Matured souls have no such feelings. In the first place, they feel that every being is one with themselves; and secondly, they devote their mental energy to the discovery of the spiritual Truth.