An Autobiography, or, The Story of My Experiments with Truth
- 464 pages
- 17 hours of reading
The aim here is not to create a traditional autobiography, but rather to share the journey of my experiments with truth, which inherently reflects my life. True identification with all living beings requires self-purification; without it, the principle of Ahimsa becomes a mere illusion. A pure heart is essential for realizing God. Self-purification must permeate every aspect of life, and its infectious nature means that personal purification can lead to the betterment of one's environment. However, the journey toward self-purification is challenging. Achieving perfect purity demands freedom from passion in thought, speech, and action, transcending love and hatred, attachment and aversion. Despite my relentless striving, I acknowledge that I have not yet attained this triple purity. Consequently, the praise of the world does not affect me; rather, it often feels like a sting. I find the conquest of my subtle passions to be more daunting than any physical battle. Since returning to India, I have confronted the dormant passions within me, which has been humbling yet enriching. I recognize the difficult path ahead and the necessity of diminishing my ego. True salvation comes when one willingly places oneself last among others, as Ahimsa embodies the ultimate humility.