In Hindu philosophy, the concept that "Evil thoughts never occur to a true knower of God" is deeply embedded in various scriptures and teachings. This idea is rooted in the understanding that a true knower of God, or a person who has realized the divine nature within and without, transcends the dualities and impurities of the mind. Here, we explore this concept through the lens of key Hindu scriptures and teachings.
The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, a core text in Hindu philosophy,
discusses the nature of the mind and the state of a person who has attained
self-realization. In Chapter 2, Verse 55, Lord Krishna describes the
characteristics of a person who is steady in wisdom (sthitaprajna):
“prajahati yada kaman sarvan partha mano-gatan atmany
evatmana tustah sthitaprajnas tadocyate”
"One who has completely cast off all desires of the
mind, O Partha (Arjuna), and is satisfied in the Self by the Self, such a one
is said to be steady in wisdom."
This verse highlights that a true knower of God, who is
self-satisfied and rooted in the Self, has transcended desires and consequently
evil thoughts, which are often products of unfulfilled desires and ego.
The Upanishads
The Upanishads, the philosophical texts that form the basis
of Hindu metaphysics, emphasize the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with
the Supreme Soul (Brahman). In the Mundaka Upanishad (3.2.9), it is stated:
“Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati”
"The knower of Brahman becomes Brahman."
This teaching implies that one who truly knows Brahman, or
God, becomes one with the divine and embodies divine qualities. Such a person
transcends all negative and evil tendencies, as their consciousness is aligned
with the pure, infinite nature of Brahman.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The Yoga Sutras, compiled by the sage Patanjali, provide a
systematic approach to spiritual development and the control of the mind. In
Sutra 1.33, Patanjali offers a method to purify the mind:
“maitri karuna muditopeksanam sukha duhkha punya apunya
visayanam bhavanatas citta prasadanam”
"By cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the
happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference
toward the wicked, the mind retains its undisturbed calmness."
For a true knower of God, these attitudes become natural
dispositions, leading to a state of inner peace where evil thoughts find no
place.
Teachings of Saints and Sages
Hinduism has a rich tradition of saints and sages who
exemplify the teachings of the scriptures through their lives. For instance,
the 15th-century saint Kabir said:
“Kabira man nirmal bhaya, jaise Ganga neer; Pache pache hari
phire, kahat Kabir Kabir”
"Kabir, my mind has become pure, like the water of the
Ganges; God follows me, saying 'Kabir, Kabir'."
Kabir's words express the transformation that occurs in a
person who truly knows God. Such a person’s mind becomes pure, devoid of any
evil thoughts, and attracts divine presence and blessings.
The essence of Hindu scriptures and teachings is that a true knower of God transcends the limitations and impurities of the mind, including evil thoughts. Through self-realization, devotion, and ethical living, one attains a state of purity and peace. This state is characterized by self-satisfaction, equanimity, and a natural inclination towards good, compassionate, and virtuous actions. The journey to such realization is the core of Hindu spiritual practice, aiming to align individual consciousness with the divine, thereby eliminating all negative tendencies from the mind.