Repartee of the Wise

A story is told about Sri Aurobindo. He was asked by a philosopher, “Do you believe in God?”

“No” he replied, “I do not believe in God.” The philosopher was shocked. “I thought you had seen God,” he said.

Sri Aurobindo laughed. “Yes, I have seen God, that’s why I say I don’t believe. Belief is out of ignorance. I know. I don’t believe.
_{As quoted in Concepts and Illusions}

***

One of Guru Gobind Singh’s disciples, Bhai Kanhayya, who was responsible for the supply of drinking water to the Guru’s soldiers, was seen offering water to the enemy soldiers wounded in the battlefield. When the matter was reported to the Guru, he called Bhai Kanhayya immediately to explain his conduct before those who had charged him with treason.

Bhai Kanhayya said, “My Lord, I am unable to distinguish enemies from friends. I see you in all of them – how can I refuse you a drink?”

Hearing this the Guru said that Bhai Kanhayya had rightly understood his teachings and commented:

A person who has shed
the veil of ignorance from his heart
will treat everyone the same,
whether Hindus or Turks.
_{Maharaj Sawan Singh, My Submission}