Similarly, the Gurus-the masters lay down rules and codes of conduct and explain the greater reality in life. We have to digest these ideas and assimilate them to make them our own. Spirituality is the Subjective Science.

In spite of Prophets and Preceptors, gurus and Masters, man has not given up lust and has not learnt from them the art of living in tranquil joy.

For centuries politicians have been giving us political philosophies. Believing them, successive generations have sacrificed themselves; yet, where are we today? Medical science has progressed over time. Hospitals are built, doctors and nurses are trained; yet, is there no illness now in the world?

Yet, can we say that the world has not progressed? If in these known realms there is progress in spite of imperfections, can we say that man has not progressed in spite of Prophets and Gurus? No doubt the ideal world has not yet been reached, even when the valiant contributions of politicians, doctors, scientists and economists, but we must consider what our condition would be, had these mighty intellectuals not served the world? And what our condition would have been had the benign influences of the Gurus and Masters not taken place in our evolution to present civilization?

In the generations in which many recognized and lived these values, there was more peace and progress. But when, as in our times, moral virtues are discarded and religion is shunned on the false and illogical arguments of secularism, we find immorality, corruption, and faithlessness in all departments of activity.

Yet, when we look around us, we see how religions and prophets are still serving the world. We need to have another demonstration of how effective they are. Evidences of their contributions are everywhere aglow.

The great Master-the Guru-our beloved and revered Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanandaji-in Him, we saw perfection in His behavior, we were graced by His large-heartedness flowing with kindness and patience, endless love and supreme affection.

To mark the 50 divine years of the Chinmaya Movement and to offer our deep gratitude at the Holy Feet of the great Master-the Saint of our times-His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda what better can be done by us, individuals but to strive hard with dedication and devotion "To give maximum happiness to the maximum number for the maximum time," by imbibing the qualities of a sincere devotee and a humble disciple of the Master who directed us to the Sunlit Path with infinite patience, endless love and Supreme affection.

Swamini Purnananda,
Acharya,
Chinmaya Center of World Understanding,
89, Lodhi Estate,
New Delhi 110003.