Some men and women glory in their exalted
thoughts, but if these thoughts never reach the plane
of action they remain useless: the power of thought is
dependent on its manifestation in deeds. A philosopher’s
thought may, however, in the world of progress and
evolution, translate itself into the actions of other
people, even when they themselves are unable or unwilling
to show forth their grand ideals in their own
lives. To this class the majority of philosophers belong,
their teachings being high above their actions. This is
the difference between philosophers who are Spiritual
Teachers, and those who are mere philosophers: the
Spiritual Teacher is the first to follow His own teaching;
He brings down into the world of action His spiritual
conceptions and ideals. His Divine thoughts are made
manifest to the world. His thought is Himself, from
which He is inseparable. When we find a philosopher
emphasizing the importance and grandeur of justice,
and then encouraging a rapacious monarch in his
oppression and tyranny, we quickly realize that he
belongs to the first class: for he thinks heavenly
thoughts and does not practise the corresponding
heavenly virtues.
19