INTELLECTUAL CONVICTION: The Hindu
Intellectual conviction*
Sastras
quote many rational examples drawn from nature and from individual experience
to explain subtle and esoteric truths. But they also proclaim that the
experience of the ultimate truth is caught and cannot be taught.
It is a fine balance to be struck
between rational thought and faith. Hence the Upanishads stress the value of
reflection and meditation and point out that meditation in its highest form is
concentration on the Ultimate Truth, pointed out Sri R. Krishnamurthy Sastrigal
in a discourse. Only repeated reflection and meditation can bring about an
inner awareness and intellectual conviction.
A
simple example from daily life illustrates the difficulty in the effort of
external forces to bring about this conviction. One cannot deny the fascination
of bursting crackers that one may have experienced as a child. But as one grows
old, the truth that there is no happiness in this act as in the case of the
many pet longings one might have cherished soon becomes evident. This is how
one develops viveka as a matter of
course. But this truth cannot be taught to one’s children or grandchildren who
are still to see the hollowness in this form of enjoyment.
This is the state of mind of a jnani in whose consciousness there is direct
perception of truth and reality. He is right in the world, but remains aloof.
He observes, eats and sleeps as any ordinary person. But in his mind he is able
to dissociate himself from these acts and hence their consequences. He
maintains equanimity in all situations. One involved in worldly affairs cannot
easily understand the state of mind of a jnani.
The jnani for his part is also aware
that there is no guarantee that those spiritual aspirants around him can
understand the truth as he sees it.
Source: FAITH, The Hindu,
January 14, 2017
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