more we think about these material pleasures, the more the mind lacks its own satisfaction. In the age in which we live, men vainly absorb their thoughts in the exploitation of the different ways to enjoy the senses; so it is impossible for them to know this peace of mind. The best will be to orient the mind to the original scriptures, “the true gospel”. We can absorb the beneficial knowledge they contain and thus purify ourselves. The mind must still be free from duplicity, engaged in thoughts for the good of all, and such is the simplicity of the mind. One calls gravity of the mind, or silence, the constant absorption of one's thoughts in spiritual realization, and the conscious man of Krishna, who observes this practice rigorously, is therefore perfectly silent in this sense. Mastery of the mind, hence self-control, consists of detaching it from material enjoyment. As for purity of mind, as of all existence, it proceeds from righteousness, from frank and direct behavior. And the whole of all these practices constitutes the austerity of the mind.

The Lord adds: “Practiced with faith by men whose goal is not to obtain for themselves some material benefit, but to satisfy the Supreme (God), the triple union of these austerities proceeds from Virtue”.

The Lord also specifies: “The charity that duty dictates, done without expecting anything in return, in just conditions of time and place, and to whom is worthy, this charity, it is said to be accomplished under the sign of virtue”.

The original scriptures recommend charity for men engaged in spiritual activities. Nowhere do they support indiscriminate charity. The goal of charity must be spiritual perfection. It is therefore advisable to do charity at a place of pilgrimage and during a solar or lunar eclipse, or at the end of the month, or even to a priest and qualified spiritual master, to a hermit spiritual guide, or in a temple, church, etc. In addition, we should not expect anything in return. Charity is sometimes given to the poor out of compassion, but if the poor to whom it is given are not worthy, then no spiritual benefit is received. In other words, indiscriminate charity is not in accordance with spiritual texts.

Logos 348

Pure love for God is the ultimate goal of existence.

Our thoughts and desires at the time of death are mainly determined by the sum of desires, memories, thoughts, words and deeds of our entire life. It is our present actions, our desires and our present state of mind, which determine our future