Knowledge is a true friend

There is no greater friend than knowledge in this world. In the most difficult of situations, knowledge is the only force that can really help. There is a story which illustrates this truth.

Two men passing through the forest met a bear. One man ran and climbed up a tree. The second man did not know how to climb. Suddenly it struck him that bears do not disturb dead bodies, so he immediately lay down on the ground and played dead.

The bear came up, sniffed him for a few minutes and prodded him here and there. The man remained completely motionless, like a dead person, keeping control over his mind. After some time the bear became disturbed. It thought, “What is the use of killing him? He is already dead.” With this thought, it went on its way.

After some time the first man climbed down from the tree and asked his friend, “What did the bear say in your ear?” because when the bear had been sniffing the body, it had felt everything, including the head and ears. The second man replied that the bear had told him never to believe in friends who do not help one in the time of need.

In this story the human friend did not help, but knowledge did. This is whyknowledge is considered to be a true friend. One person may not help another in their utmost difficulty, but knowledge will always help.

Knowledge dispels ignorance. All the difficulties that arise in life exist due to ignorance. Yoga does not believe that a person is overcome by difficulties in life due to destiny. Yoga says that if one has purushartha or capacity, one can remain happy in all conditions.

From the book “Gheranda Samhita, Commentary on the Yoga Teachings of Maharshi Gheranda”, pg. 16, Sw. Niranjanananda Saraswati