The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares [Weeds]
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares [weeds] among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay, lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
The kingdom of God-realization can be compared to a man who, by deep, daily meditation, sowed good seeds of spiritual experiences in the field of his consciousness, but while he slept (was unaware of spiritual perceptions), his enemy of subconscious tendencies grew weeds of material habits among the wheat of spiritual Self-realization. When the blades of spiritual development grew and brought forth fruits of spiritual bliss and wisdom, he found he was also hounded by weeds of inner doubts, fears, and a sense of hopelessness about solving the mysteries of God. The servants (self-control and spiritual discipline) asked their master, “O devotee, whence did these weeds of spiritual obstacles arise in you?” The devotee answered, “Subconscious bad tendencies have secretly grown weeds of material habits along with my spiritual habits.” The servants asked, “Do you want your servants of self-control to go into the subconscious mind and remove the deep-rooted weeds?” The devotee answered: “Do not waste your time concentrating on negative, unspiritual habits, for in doing so you might lose some spiritual habits because of not being able to focus on their growth. Go on cultivating the good spiritual habits, and don’t worry about the unspiritual habits, until the harvest of divine ecstasy and joy contact with God arrives. In the time of divine ecstasy, the expert reapers of spiritual perception and spiritual habits can gather the weeds of all past incarnations from the subconscious mind, and burn them up with the instantaneously annihilating power of wisdom and the light accumulated in the brain through the interiorized mind.” In meditation and sleep, the mind and energy retire into the spine and brain and obliterate habits of worries and dis-quietude. In sleep, the energy dispels worries only temporarily. In deep meditation, the superconscious uses the relaxed energy of the mind, concentrated in the brain, to go deep into the brain grooves where habits are secreted, and cauterize evil habits.
Attributes: Paramhansa Yogananda
Explore the parable of the wheat and tares to understand how to handle negativity in your life. This reflection offers clarity on maintaining your path despite obstacles.
The parable of the wheat and tares illustrates the challenge of dealing with intruders in our spiritual practice. When we try to grow, it is common to see obstacles appear alongside our progress, much like weeds sown among crops while we sleep. Understanding the true parable meaning helps us discern how to maintain our focus without being overwhelmed by these distractions.
This reflection, grounded in the spiritual teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, guides you on how to cultivate inner peace even when faced with external negativity. Instead of rushing to remove every challenge immediately, we learn patience and discernment. By applying these principles to your own journey, you can foster consistent spiritual growth and remain rooted in your purpose.
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