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DOCTRINE OF KARMA
and elevates the character, that brings freedom to the soul and directs it Godward, is good, and therefore becomes the highest duty of every individual. On the other hand, that which shuts one within the narrow walls of one's limited lower nature, is selfish and should be avoided. When a man has realized this, his idea of duty will no longer be confined to the sayings of any book or of any person, but will be founded upon the universal law of unselfishness, His standard will be: 'That which uplifts the character is right, that which degrades is wrong. The particular line of action, however, which will elevate or degrade an individual will vary according to his nature and his environment. Elevation and degradation should not be measured by the standard of any one particular person in one particular stage of development, but by the loftiest ideal of all individuals, of all sects, and of all religions. The highest common standard is the absolute freedom
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