25. Innocence

The Lines
Bottom. [9] There is a certain charm in unstudied innocence that is found in children and
even in older persons who are sincerely enthusiastic about a new undertaking. At the very
beginning, their approach is unspoiled by duplicity, deceit and disingenuousness. They
have not yet become victims of evil men and fallen into cynicism and mistrust. Such an attitude
of refreshing honesty always bodes well for the beginner. He acts from the purity of a
pristine nature and a good heart.
2. [6] The innocent mind embraces each moment for itself. It enjoys the task before it, without
looking always to the attainment of some future goal or the accomplishment of some
eagerly sought milestone. The man of pure nature does the best he can in the present moment,
and leaves future outcomes in the hands of the universal powers that determine such
things. For him, it is enough to be intensely engaged with this moment's task. By thus doing
his part and trusting the universal powers to do theirs, the man finds success and fulfillment.
3. [6] Not even the innocent man remains free of adversity. Evil men may happen upon his
path who gladly seize an opportunity to do harm to the innocent and unsuspecting. Nothing
about the innocent man deserves this misfortune, but it chances upon him nonetheless.
The evil person appears to gain at the expense of the good and innocent. Such gains do not
carry with them the blessings of Heaven, though this is no comfort to the innocent. The innocent
man must realize that evil people appear and gladly take advantage of what they
perceive to be prey. He must take steps to safeguard himself and be sure that he avoids
leaving himself open to the machinations of evildoers. He should protect himself, without
abandoning his innocent approach to action.
4. [9] A man heeds his inner voice, rather than the voices of those around him. Only that inner
voice truly understands the man, and can determine what is best for him. He seeks advice
and information, of course, and never obstinately shuts himself off from the wise counsel
of others. But it is he who must make the final decision, and he would be foolish indeed
to act on advice or criticism from another that he did not agree with in his heart. Even in the
most distressing of times, when all is chaos and confusion, and the right path seems entirely
lost, yet that most reliable inner voice never really departs from us. And a man should
never despair and abdicate the direction of himself and turn instead to the advice of another,
no matter who it is, no matter how difficult and confusing the circumstances.
5. [9] An evil situation may arise, which is not of one's own making. But if one does not become
a part of it, if one does not lend it support nor embrace it, one need not take active
steps to eliminate it. Without support, it will shrivel and die on its own.

Please Comment, Like and Share

Donate Bitcoin @ 1AMmFLhCfRoQA3xVUeP2VFsndHbjVgD74g