51. The mind is generally believed as a sensuous and passive principle, wholly actuated by the outward impressions of senses; but in truth it is the mind, which is the active and moving principle of the organs of action. Because all the senses become dormant in absence of the action of the mind; and so the functions of the whole creation are at a stop, without the activity of the Universal Mind—anima mundi. (See Psychology and Mental Philosophy).
CHAPTER LXXXX.
Love of the Fictitious Indra and Ahalya.
Argument. Curses have power on the body, and not upon the mind.
The Sol said:—The lotus-eyed king thus defied by this perverse Indra, addressed the sage Bharata, who was sitting by him (in the court-hall).
2. The king spoke:—Lord, you are acquainted with all morality, and seest this ravisher of my wife, and hearest the arrogant speech, that he utters before our face.
3. Deign, O great sage! pronounce thy fulmination upon him without delay; because it is a breach of justice to spare the wicked, as it is to hurt the innocent.
4. Being thus besought by the great king, Bharata the best of the wise munis; considered well in his mind, the crime of this wicked soul Indra.
5. And then pronounced his imprecation by saying:—“Do you, O reprobate sinner, soon meet with thy perdition, together with this sinful woman, that is so faithless to her husband.”
6. Then they both replied to the king and his venerable sage, saying,—“what fools must ye be, to have thus wasted your imprecation, the great gain of your devotion, on our devoted heads” (knowing that our souls are invincible).
7. The curse you have pronounced, can do us very little harm; for though our bodies should fall, yet it cannot affect our inward minds and spirits (which are unchangeable).