Fifty blind men were sitting in a Dharmashala. They were born blind. They all wanted to go
to a distant place of pilgrimage. Four other blind men came along and joined this group. They said
they were also going to the same place. “Friends,” said the leader of the fifty, “we are blind and
cannot find our way to the sacred shrine. Will you be able lead us? Do your eyes see?” “Yes, my
dear friends,” replied the four, “we have heard a lot about the sacred city and the way to reach it. We
have a clear mental picture of the route. Though we do not see it with our eyes, we are confident that
we shall not only reach our destination, but lead you all there with us. Follow us.” They tied one
another with a long rope. The best one among the four led the way. He had a mental idea of the way,
no doubt; it was not of much avail. He was misled. Soon he fell into a deep ravine. Bound to him, the
other blind men, not knowing where he was leading them, also fell into the ditch, one by one. All of
them perished.

Similar is the case with the masses today. They hear of the Land of perennial Bliss, the Land
where Holiness and Divinity abound. But they know not the way. They are waiting to be led there.
In the meantime a few other blind men arrive there. They have heard a lot about the Kingdom of
God. They have great intellectual understanding. They think they know the way, and not only that,
they can lead others also. They are the scientists and scientific philosophers. They promise to lead
the masses to the Kingdom or Immortal Bliss. The credulous public follows them. These leaders
have a great intellect, but no self-control and experience. They go where their cravings and Vasanas
and desires lead them. They fall into a terrible ditch of sensuousness, of materialism, and perish. All
their followers also perish.
Hearken ye, all men; follow not the blind misleaders. Follow the sages who have the eye of
intuition and attain the Abode of Supreme Bliss.

Source : Parables of Swami Sivananda