XVI. Pain is Friendly.
1893 original text, YOGeBooks typeset transcription; original text extent only
XVI. Pain is Friendly.
Soul. Why dost thou come to torment me? I would have peace and be free from thy dominion.
Pain. I am thy friend, and my mission is beneficent.
Soul. How can that be while thy presence so distresses me? I pray thee, depart.
Pain. My face seems repulsive and cruel, but my character is only revealed upon acquaintance.
Soul. What then is thy mission?
Pain. I am a warning monitor to save thee from thy baser self; an angel of mercy to lift thy consciousness—even though by goads—to higher life and harmony. Accept my judgment and profit by my discipline, and my cruel features will be transformed. Thine own attitude towards me determines my aspect to thee. See me as thy friend, and my correction will become gentle. I educate and refine. Thy hostility sharpens my shafts.
Soul. I now interpret thy mission. Thou dost link bitterness to sin to turn us from it. But for that, we should forever disregard divine law, and finally destroy ourselves.
Pain. Only my flaming sword prevents it. Thou hast rightly interpreted.