Scriptural Confusions Dispelled
The ancient Hindu scriptures like the
Vedas, Upanishads, Shreemad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayan, etc. are
all treasure houses of Divine knowledge. They were either directly
spoken by God in his various descensions on earth, or were inspired by
him in the hearts of the Saints. But when these great scriptures are
read individually, they appear to have many contradictions. This has led
to much confusion in the minds of people. In his lectures, Swamiji
answers such questions which have always puzzled people and shows the
clear, simple truth. Some of the confusions and contradictions which he
addresses are:
1. a) God can never be seen or
understood by our material senses and intellect because He is Divine. b)
God can be seen, attained and understood, even through our material
senses and intellect. The God-realized Saints in the past have done so.
2. a) God is attained through His Grace,
and not through our self-effort. b) Unless we exert effort and do
sadhana, we cannot attain God.
3. a) Everything happens by the will of
God. Without his inspiration, not even a leaf can move. b) We are
responsible for our own actions. God is only an impartial judge of our
activities.
4. a) What we get in this life is the
consequence of our actions in past lives. We are all controlled by our
destiny. b) We all have the free-will to act. We are the makers of our
own destiny.
5. a) This world is mithya or unreal
since it is made of maya. b) This world is satya or real, and necessary
for the maintenance of the body. Without it we cannot live.
6. a) Liberation from material bondage
is the ultimate goal of spirituality. b) The desire for liberation is a
selfish desire, and only when we give it up can we attain pure Divine
love.
7. a) Service to man is service to God.
One who performs his worldly duties sincerely, does not need to worship
God. b) Devotion to God is not the same as the performance of worldly
duties. It must be separately accomplished.
8. a) Our surrender and single-minded
devotion should be towards God alone. b) Unless we surrender to a Guru,
we cannot reach God.
9. a) The aim of meditation is to think
of God and establish the mind in God. b) The aim of meditation is to
stop the thinking process and quiet the mind. Click here to Swamiji’s lecture.
