Book Title: Practice of Karma Yoga
Author(s): Swami Sivananda
Publisher: Divine Life Society

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Page 134
________________ PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA Kshatriyas; those who are Tamasic are the Sudras. This classification is according to Gunas and Karma. I shall speak a word on conscience Some people say: 'We can find out good and evil, right and wrong, by consulting our conscience only'. No individual will be able to do this by consulting his conscience only. It may give some clue and help. Conscience is not an infallible guide. The conscience of a man changes according to his experiences and education. Conscience is one's own intellectual conviction. The conscience of the individual speaks in accordance with his tendencies, habits, passions, inclinations, capacity and education. The conscience of a savage speaks a language entirely different from that of a civilised European. The conscience of an African Negro speaks a language entirely different from that of an ethically develloped Yogi of India. Ask a clerk in the Collectorate: ‘What are your duties?' He will say. 'I must earn money to support my family and parents. I must not injure others. I must read Ramayana.' He has no idea of the laws of Nature. He will submit himself blindly to the laws whatever they may be. If you ask him: 'What are your duties to the country and humanity? What is right and wrong? What is good and evil?' he will simply blink. Ask any car-driver: 'What is your duty?' He will say: 'Anyhow I must earn Rs. 20 daily. I have to purchase ten gallons of petrol, tyres, tubes and crude oil The tyres are very costly. I have six daughters and five sons. I must protect 130

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