Patanjali, Chaucer & Sri Ramakrishna

In Chaucer's classic "The Canterbury Tales", the last tale is "The Parson's Tale." This is unfortunately left out of most editions because it is strictly not a tale but more of a sermon delivered by the parson. But in this, Chaucer's Parson shows to what spiritual heights a human being can rise, if he has the inclination.

The parson says that some things that many may not regard as sins, yet nevertheless are sins & lists them as follows:

1. Every time one eats or drinks more than necessary for the body.

2. When one speaks more than is necessary.

3. When one does not listen kindly to the poor.

4. When one does not fast when others fast (Lent, Ekadashi, Ramzan).

5. When one sleeps longer than necessary.

6. When he uses his wife without the sovereign design of engendering.

7. When one will not visit the sick & prisoners.

8. If he loves wife or child, or any worldly thing more than reason requires.

9. If one has one's food prepared more deliciously than is necessary.

10. When one promises that he will do things which one cannot perform.

If these are closely examined, it is clear that these are just the consequences of Patanjali's opening verse of his Yoga Sutras, which states that "Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha" or "Yoga is a life against natural(!) impulses."

That such a life is indeed possible was demonstrated by the nineteenth century Hindu Saint, Sri Ramakrishna, who was also married. His conversations, collected in "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna" are full of his exhortations to his devotees to lead a life as described in "The Parson's Tale" above. Apart from Jesus Christ himself (whom Chaucer's Parson had in mind), other Indian origin religions like Jainism & Buddhism also broadly espouse the same requirements.