Subject Explained:

An explanation of the four types of kusangis (evil individuals) and the need to avoid them.

Main Points:

1. External kusang (evil association) nurtures internal kusang.
2. Internal kusang cannot succeed without the cooperation of external kusang.
3. Avoiding the types of kusang mentioned.
4. Praying to Maharaj daily to be saved from kusang.

Commentary:

In this Vachanamrut, Maharaj kindly explains that a devotee of God should, after performing daily worship and praise, always pray to God to protect them from kusangis. There are four types of kusangis: kudapanthis (followers of a sect that propagates indulgence), shushka vedantis (followers of the barren Vedant philosophy), shaktipanthis (followers of a sect that propagates the consumption of alcohol and meat), and nastiks (atheists). These four types of kusangis are considered to be highly obstructive on the path of spiritual welfare.

In the journey of spiritual welfare, external kusang can be just as detrimental as the internal flaws within oneself. Just as satsang (association with true devotees) is highly beneficial, internal virtues alone are not as beneficial without satsang. It is said that satsang is the giver of devotion, but devotion is not said to be the giver of satsang. This principle applies to other virtues like dharma (righteousness) and other qualities as well. Therefore, one must be cautious of kusang.

Maharaj emphasizes the importance of praying to God. Interestingly, the various forms of kusang cannot function independently; they operate by agitating the internal weaknesses within us. If our internal weaknesses do not cooperate, external kusang cannot influence us. Often, we fail to recognize our internal weaknesses and feel helpless against them. Therefore, Maharaj advises that avoiding external kusang is crucial as it also curbs the influence of internal kusang. Maharaj mentions that both a saint and a kusangi stand ready with their weapons in the heart of a person. However, it is through the cooperation of internal flaws that external kusang can prevail.

The term kuda literally means born of adultery, implying a path where indulgence in adultery is given prominence, thus inciting the vice within us and obstructing our spiritual progress. Shaktipanthis consume alcohol and meat, leading to moral corruption and loss of purity. Such people cannot distinguish between what is proper to consume and what is not, leading to impurity and deviation from the path of righteousness. Shushka Vedantis reject the concept of a servant-master relationship, claiming self-deification and undermining the importance of God. Nastiks deny the existence of God, attempting to disprove the existence of the eternal Supreme Being and thus lead people away from the path of spiritual welfare.

The first two types of kusang, when combined with internal enemies, lead one away from the path of spiritual welfare, while the latter two sever one’s relationship with God, thereby leading to spiritual downfall. Thus, these four types of kusangis are the most formidable among all forms of kusang.

Efforts should be made to avoid these kusangis as much as possible. Maharaj advises praying to God to avoid these influences. The relationship between internal and external kusang is intricate; internal kusang cannot succeed without the presence of external kusang, and vice versa. Thus, preventing their union helps avoid obstacles on the path of spiritual welfare.

Essentially, kusang agitates the internal enemies and severs the relationship with God, whereas satsang eradicates internal enemies and strengthens one’s bond with God. The four types of kusangis described by Maharaj serve the purpose of exciting internal enemies and disrupting the connection with God. Therefore, Maharaj advises to stay away from and be fearful of these four types of kusangis. However, it is paradoxical that people often stay away from satsang and fear it, despite it being the path to overcoming faults like lust and taste. Conversely, people are drawn to places that nourish these faults without any encouragement. Thus, Maharaj advises that those who seek their own welfare should avoid kusang and develop love for satsang.