Sutra 13. Anyatha paatitya sankaya.
(For, otherwise there is the
risk of a fall.)
Anyatha: otherwise
Patitya Sankaya : risk of a fall.
This sutra is in continuation with the earlier sutra which said, "Even upon realization, one should follow / practice / spread spiritual teachings".
So, in this sutra, it is said, if a realized master / a yogi in advanced spiritual level falls down and does not practice spiritual teachings, then there may be a fall (of him and of those who believe in him).
We are all aware how the
Rishi Vishwamitra of great tapas became a victim
to the influence of the celestial nymph. Even Lord
Buddha had to face Mara.
There must
not be any unholy thrill or unholy vibration in
the mind, even. This is the highest standard of
purity. The Gita says, “Who sitteth, controlling the
organs of action, but dwelling in his mind on the objects of
the senses, that bewildered man is called a
hypocrite.” Cha. III-6.
If a Master / Yogi / Spiritual preacher fails, then the society / people believing him will fail ten times more than the yogi's fail / fall.
So, in the path towards Self Realization, even in the penultimate step, one moment before the moment of Self realization, there is a risk of a sadhaka having a down fall and slipping away from the Goal.
Human beings desperately look forward towards spiritual leaders for self satisfaction, for mental peace.
There are so many spiritual leaders who appear to be some thing at surface level but turn out to be totally difference and not genuine, in later course of time.
When such leaders turn out to be ingenuine, there can be extreme impact on those who followed them. Either they may be extremely disillusioned or they may turn out to be extreme non-believers in spirituality.
This is what is given in this sutra - "OTHERWISE, THERE MAY BE A FALL".
Love.
