Reason, the Sap of Vedanta
Reason is the foundation upon which the sublime philosophy of Vedanta rests. Yet, few seem to realize that thinking is a skill that requires diligent practice, just like any other art or craft.
In the world today, many people accept propositions without question, based solely on tradition, authority, or hearsay. Their beliefs often have no rational basis, rooted instead in superstition and groundless assertions. As William Drummond aptly stated, "He who cannot reason is a fool; he who will not is a bigot; he who dare not is a slave."
The development of reason is essential for gaining true knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. Vedanta emphasizes the importance of independent reflection and judgment, rather than blind acceptance of doctrines and dogmas.
Reason and Religion
Religion has been reduced to a mere parroting of ideas picked up from preachers, without any systematic study, reflection, or personal experience of the underlying truths. Neither the preacher nor the pupil can claim to have truly grasped the essence of spiritual knowledge.
This lack of reason has led to the spiritual degeneration of humanity. People have lost the knowledge of their true Self, the supreme, absolute reality within them. Instead, they seek happiness and fulfillment in the external world, perpetually driven by selfish desires and cravings.
The Role of Reason
Vedanta expounds that the true Self is the source of infinite peace and bliss. It is our original nature, which we have lost sight of due to our ignorance. This ignorance manifests as a constant flow of thoughts, desires, and actions, driven by our egocentric tendencies.
To regain this knowledge of the Self, Vedanta prescribes the cultivation of reason and independent inquiry. The intellect must be strengthened through sustained study, reflection, and application of the teachings in one's practical life. Only then can one truly imbibe the spirit of the teachings, rather than merely accepting them on blind faith.
The rigid adherence to precepts, dogmas, and authorities has sapped the vitality of religion. The intelligentsia, especially the youth, are increasingly averse to such unnatural education and demand a more rational, systematic approach to spiritual knowledge.
From Known to Unknown
The fundamental principle of education is that knowledge can only be conveyed through known factors. Any number of unknown factors cannot provide a grain of knowledge. Yet, the divine has often been described in terms of the unknown, such as "infinite love" or "infinite power," which the human intellect cannot comprehend.
As the Persian poet-philosopher Omar Khayyam aptly satirized, "They talked about and about, I came out of the same door I entered." The true knowledge of the supreme Reality remains ever in obscurity, as the intelligent become conscious of their incapacity, while the ignorant believe they know God through their undigested concepts.
Step 1
Vedanta emphasizes the importance of reason and rational inquiry in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. It advises you to approach the teachings with the same objectivity and critical thinking as you would in the study of science or mathematics.
Step 2
Examine the truths of Vedanta on their own merit, without blindly accepting them based on authority or tradition. Assimilate the knowledge through your own independent reflection, contemplation, and practical application in your life. Only then will the knowledge become truly your own, rather than a mere intellectual exercise.
The path to enlightenment is not one of blind faith, but of systematic inquiry and personal verification. By cultivating the faculty of reason, you can transcend the limitations of the mind and intellect, and ultimately realize the supreme, absolute Reality within you.