Page:A Collection of Esoteric Writings.djvu/131

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equanimity, or tact and discrimination that might be expected from one who has devoted his life exclusively to meditation and the Yoga Philosophy. If pardonable in a person who has to lead that sort of life which in the word of Mr. Max Müller, quoted by the "Almora Swami"—(as an additional hint and a hit we suppose)—a life "with telegrams, letters, newspapers, reviews, pamphlets and books"—it is quite unpardonable in a holy ascetic, who is never troubled with anything of the sort, and gets, as we suspect, even his appropriate quotations from European authors ready-made for him by his amanuenses and friends. But, since the article is addressed in the form of a letter to the editor, the humble individual who holds this office hastens to assure the venerable Swami that beyond their appalling length, his letters have never given the said editor one moment of "annoyance and trouble," as he seems to imagine.

In reference to another personal taunt, we agree with him. It is more than likely that some (not all by any means) Vedantists, such as the modern "Aryas" and some Dwaitees and Visishtadwaitees—aftar "hailing Western Theosophy with joy," have ended by comparing it "to the mountain that gave birth to a mouse"—the disenchantment being due to many and various reasons upon which it is needless to enter at present. We can only hope and trust that the lofty Almorian mountain, chosen by our venerable friend as the seat of his contemplation, may not bring forth some day, for India, any worse animal than the humble "black mouse." True we have come to learn in this country, and we have learned a good deal already. One fact, among several others, namely, that the learned ascetics of modern India have widely shot off from the original mark when compared with the Rishis of old. Spinoza is quoted against us in this definition of methods of investigation. Our saintly critic fears that his venerable friends have followed the first (or vulgar) method. The proof which with him goes far to justify his "fear," rests chiefly upon a fallacy and mistake of ours—(one happily held