I have had frequent occasions to refer to the lessons to be learnt from the great epics. In the Mahabharata, we have the heroic figure of Bhishma. He was a great sage, a Jnani (man of supreme wisdom) and a person of unshakable determination. He stood foremost in honouring his plighted word. Such a person knew quite well that what he was allowing the Kauravas to do was manifestly wrong. He knew that the Kauravas were indulging in evil deeds. He was aware that they were following unrighteous and untruthful ways. Nevertheless he was too weak to correct them or prevent them from pursuing their evil courses. Nor was that all. He accepted the role of Commander-in-Chief of the Kaurava armies. This was a blemish in his character. He was unable to act up to the dictates of his Antarvani (conscience). Therein lay his weakness. Compare Bhishma’s failure with the conduct of Vibhishana. He was of demonic lineage and lived and moved among Rakshasas. He was aware that what his elder brother (Ravana) had done (by kidnapping Sita) was wrong. Knowing this, he warned Ravana in various ways. He repeatedly told Ravana: ‘This is wrong. You should not do this. It is not good for you.’ Vibhishana felt that it was his duty to warn Ravana (against his evil ways). Ultimately, failing to convince Ravana, he chose to give up his brother and seek asylum with Rama. When we compare the attitudes of the two, we find that Vibhishana is greater than Bhishma. Despite his knowing the wicked ways of the Kauravas, Bhishma was unable to intervene. Vibhishana, on the contrary, chided Ravana. He turned away from the wicked and found refuge in God. Thus, in the practice of sacred actions, Vibhishana emerges as a greater figure than Bhishma. This is the lesson taught by the epics. Are you giving any thought to such sacred lessons? You read books, but do not care to practise their teachings. You listen to discourses but do not live up to them. You have to put into practice the teachings, which you learn. What, then, is the meaning of spirituality? It is not the reading of scriptures or the performance of rituals. It is to live up to truth one has learnt. Unfortunately today, because of the influence of Kali, this does not happen. (SSS Vol.27, pp. 78-80)