The differences between them arise from differing priorities. Fanatics value certainty above all things, whereas spiritualists value curiosity above all things. Let’s see how these different psychologies play out. 

Fanatics fixate on proving: The entire edifice of their faith is based on the foundation that they have certain knowledge received from an infallible divine source. When they encounter a differing or opposing opinion, they feel not just intellectually agitated, but also profoundly insecure. They have to prove that opinion wrong; otherwise, everything they consider sacred will come crumbling down — or so they fear. Driven by a compulsive need to prove that they are right, they become argumentative and combative; they may even become verbally offensive and physically aggressive. 

Spiritualists focus on improving: Even when they have gained their understanding of reality from trustworthy transcendental sources, spiritualists know that reality is always bigger than their conceptions of reality, And this principle of the expansiveness of reality applies not just to the ultimate reality about which even the enlightened (10.08) constantly keep enlightening each other (10.09). It also applies to immediate realities about which our perspectives as finite beings are finite — and may therefore need revision. In fact, their spirituality is founded in curiosity: the eagerness to learn more about the highest spiritual reality (10.16) and how it relates with our everyday realities (10.18). Knowing that we all are fellow-travelers on the same shared journey toward wisdom, they are considerate and compassionate toward everyone (12.13). Even if spiritualists are certain about some issue, they are still open to learning how different people see that issue — and how they can better connect with such people both while tackling that issue and while transcending it. 

One-sentence summary: 

Fanatics fixate on proving; spiritualists focus on improving. 

Think it over: 

  • What do fanatics value the most? Why?
  • What do spiritualists value the most? Why?
  • When you encounter an opposing opinion, what is your default priority? Do you need to change that?

***

12.13: One who is not envious but is a kind friend to all living entities, who does not think himself a proprietor and is free from false ego, who is equal in both happiness and distress – such a devotee of Mine is very dear to Me.

To know more about this verse, please click on the image