The Base of Religion
Vedanta serves as the very foundation of religion. It provides the essential principles and guiding wisdom that underpin all spiritual traditions. Unlike the rigid doctrines and dogmas often associated with religion, Vedanta encourages independent inquiry and rational examination.
Vedanta Trains Independent Thought
Vedanta trains you to think for yourself, to probe into the essence of human existence. It directs you to study, reflect and realize the fundamental truths of life, rather than blindly follow the opinions and beliefs of others.
"The great humorist, George Bernard Shaw once remarked that the most intelligent person he had met in his life was his tailor! When asked why he thought so, he promptly answered, 'Because he is the only one who takes fresh measurements every time I go to him.'"
Just as you would approach science or mathematics, Vedanta asks you to examine its knowledge and principles on their own merit, not on the basis of authority. You must analyze, assimilate and put the teachings into practice to make them your own. Truth is not something that can be claimed or sold to you by any spiritual guru.
Resisting Blind Faith and Ritual
The present-day practice of religion has been reduced to a mere allegiance to personalities, maxims and mechanical rituals. The rigidity of precepts and preceptors has sapped the vitality of religion, frustrating the modern intellect. Young men and women today detest being dictated to by doctrines and dogmas.
"In the name of religion, fanatic superstitions and parasitic ideas have infested humanity, plunging people in ignorance. The world is steeped in sorrow and suffering."
The root cause of this spiritual malaise is that people do not look within, failing to investigate the truths of life or exercise their own judgment. They rely on external authorities to do their thinking, operating predominantly on blind faith and mechanical ritual. This is a form of "spiritual suicide" that must be overcome.
Vedanta as Independent Inquiry
Vedanta urges you to approach religion as you would any other field of study - through independent reflection, analysis and verification. It does not demand blind acceptance of its principles, but rather encourages you to examine them critically and assimilate them into your own life experience.
The Role of Vedanta outlines how Vedanta helps you evolve spiritually and materially by enhancing the clarity of your thought processes. Reason, the Sap of Vedanta further emphasizes the importance of reason and rational inquiry in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.
Only by taking this approach can religion truly serve to purify and elevate humanity, rather than become a source of division, delusion and suffering. Vedanta provides the foundation for a liberating spiritual education that empowers the individual to discover the truth within.