The Source of All Evils

The source of our suffering is not external; it lies within the individual's lack of awareness and empathy. While ancient scriptures like the Tao Te Ching valued wisdom and freedom, our modern era mocks good and evil in favor of purely material efficiency.

A drawing of a man with the devil on his shoulder whispering in his ear.

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The Source of All Evils

Summary: The source of our suffering is not external; it lies within the individual's lack of awareness and empathy. While ancient scriptures like the Tao Te Ching valued wisdom and freedom, our modern era mocks good and evil in favor of purely material efficiency.

Yet, wealth and power remain helpless in the face of old age and death, for those who choose the side of evil always end in suffering. At the heart of this destructive system lies vanity—evil's true ambassador—which blinds the mind through jealousy and the desire for dominion. To rediscover inner peace and the Kingdom, one must imperatively break free from it and return to the simplicity of discernment.

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All existential problems have a solution, whether they are questions of simple survival—such as access to water, food, medical care, or the peace of arms—or issues related to democracy, justice, liberty, and equity. The reason for these evils resides within Man, and the solution is found there as well. World peace is often perceived as a utopia; consequently, it is no longer envisioned as a realistic option. It must be admitted that the history of humanity tends to confirm this assertion.

The Root of Evil is One

When we establish the tree of causes, we systematically reach a single root. Take the example of a population dying of hunger. We might mention climatic or geopolitical factors, or corruption, but in truth, the profound cause is the lack of awareness and empathy among the world's leaders.

Once, Things Were Simple

At one time, things were simple: there was good and there was evil. Ancient scriptures, such as the Tao Te Ching, speak to us of "Sages Kings."

"Long ago, the people knew these sovereigns only by their names. The next, who were just, were loved. Those who followed, who judged, were feared. Now, one cannot grant trust to one who does not trust himself. The successors, who were prudent, were despised. The Sages Kings, however, spoke with wisdom. They were examples for all, and the people then said: 'It is we who have done everything, we are free.'" (Tao Te Ching, 17).

Things became blurred when the people ceased to have trust in their leaders. Today, few people still know how to distinguish good from evil. Those who speculate on the price of grain are totally indifferent to the famine they cause for millions of destitute people across the world, as long as they enrich themselves. What would one not do to possess a house or a car more imposing and more expensive than those of others?

Good is Mocked

Henceforth, the notions of good, evil, morality, and immorality are turned into derision, treated as naive and outdated concepts. Only the notions of legality and illegality, efficiency and inefficiency remain. Good has become what does "us" good; evil, what harms "us."

In truth, when a child is happy, that is good. An unhappy child is evil. A person who is fulfilled and in good health, that is good. A person who suffers in their flesh, who lacks vital resources, who is tortured, plundered, or whose dignity is denied—that is evil. Respecting nature is good. Willing polluters, indifferent to the future of future generations, represent evil. Things are, in fact, simple.

Simplicity is No Longer in Fashion

Simplicity has been degraded into simplism, just as solidarity has become welfare. Public service has turned into the public sector. People find it amusing; they play the "tough-minded" types who "can't be fooled," but deep down, we know perfectly well that the truth is simple. We know our acts are wrong, but we feign ignorance to safeguard our financial interests. We have chosen our side: that of profit, regardless of the evil generated. Yet, denying the existence of good and evil does not make them disappear.

Good and Evil Truly Exist

Good and evil are tangible realities. Acting wrongly places you in the camp of evil, while acting with righteousness places you in the camp of good. Evil exists. When you choose it, your life irremediably ends in suffering, even if you are sitting on a pile of gold. The most powerful billionaire enjoys his situation for only a few years—thirty or forty at most. With age, his anxieties and doubts are identical to those of a modest person. A facelifted face may appear younger, but old age and the proximity of death care nothing for appearances. As we age, wealth changes nothing about the reality of our condition.

The Origin of Suffering

Vanity rules the world; it is a creation of evil, its best soldier, and its ambassador. What pushes an individual to acquire extremely expensive goods? Vanity. What pushes one to want to dominate and command others? Vanity. What engenders pathological jealousy? Always vanity.

Jealousy is the daughter of vanity, and it is a source of great misfortune. Vanity itself is the fruit of evil and a lack of awareness. It is its most powerful manifestation in the hearts of men, preventing their minds from knowing peace.

In truth, only those capable of transcending their vanity will reach the Kingdom. Vanity is your worst enemy; beware of it like the plague. Every time a feeling or a thought emanates from your vanity, know that it has only one goal: to lead you into error and distance you from inner peace.

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#evil and good, #English, #spirituality, #Original Yoga, #Hans Yoganand