Either because one is not well versed in the language of the scriptures, or because of peculiar circumstances, one may be spiritually illiterate. Krishna explains that none is outside the sway of the three gunas and an individual’s nature is responsible for his natural faith. They are prompted by desire for power and perform austerities which are self mortifying and violent and not ordained by scriptures. Such acts are contradictory to the true discipline of the body which is attained by the practice of cleanliness, etc. Desire, anger and greed prompt one to go further down and unless one learns to avoid these there is no hope for redemption.

Source: The Hindu August 23, 2016 20:26 UTC