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Reason
and not Dogma is the basis of Vedanta
Times Of India
Vedanta is scientific exposition of truth. It expounds the
truth
methodically, logically. It does not rely on the authority
of a
preceptor. Its truth is its authority.
No master or messiah can claim it. No religion has a hold on
it. It
belongs to one and all. It bears no distinction of caste or
creed,
community or country. Its universal application appeals to
all lovers
of truth.
Present religious systems are governed by personalities,
maxims and
mandates. There is a saying: Grammar is the grave of
language. Try to
save grammar, keep it invariable, and language will be dead.
Just so,
the rigidity of preceptors and precepts saps the vitality of
religion.
The intelligentsia, particularly youth the world over,
detest
rigidity. They do not wish to be dictated by doctrines and
dogmas.
They revolt against such unnatural education. We need to
look at
Vedanta in its pristine glory. Make an independent
assessment of
truth without relying on authorities.
George Bernard Shaw once remarked that the most intelligent
person he
had met in his life was his tailor, "Because he is the only
one who
takes fresh measurements every time I go to him". This
should be our
approach to Vedanta.
We tend to let ourselves get hypnotised by views and
opinions of
others. Even the intelligentsia have been accepting
religious
doctrines and dogmas passively. Some accept a religious
belief just
because it is the oldest. Others accept it only because it
is
followed by vast numbers. Still others accept it because it
comes
from a great personality.
Few get to the merit of teaching. Much less imbibe the
spirit of
religion. There is a blind following everywhere. Such an
approach to
religion has brought about a spiritual epidemic. It is
practically
destroying the human race. If religion is to serve people it
has to
be judged and accepted on its own merit. Not on authorities.
The study of Vedanta will reveal to you that it is founded
on its own
authority. It is based on reason and logic. You must,
therefore,
approach Vedanta as you would science or mathematics.
A faith founded on authority is no faith. Take up Vedanta on
its own
merits. Do not allow the personality and life of a spiritual
master
interfere with his teaching. Only then you will be able to
enter into
the spirit of religion. You do not have to sell your liberty
to a
spiritual guru.
The gurus drew their inspiration from their own Self. The
same
fountainhead of inspiration is within you. You can do the
same. There
is no use relying on external forces for gaining internal
strength.
There is a general belief that one has to retire to the
solitude of
the forests for the study and practice of Vedanta, to lead
the life
of an ascetic. This is not true. Vedanta does not expect
anyone to
live a life of resignation. It is not a retirement plan but
a
technique of dynamic living.
Reason and not Dogma is the basis of Vedanta
Times Of India
http://spirituality.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1164026,curpg-
1.cms
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