Miscellaneous - Religion   

The highest knowledge

CHENNAI: Spiritual enquiry depends on each individual since one's capacity, inclination and tenacity determine the method adopted. The highlight in this quest is the recognition of God's all pervading, all knowing and all powerful presence that is the ultimate cause of the entire creation, and of its sustenance and dissolution.

Swami Mitrananda pointed out in a lecture that in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna's teaching accommodates diverse levels of learners — from the most elementary to the most philosophical or the most profound. While the Lord explains to Arjuna the sacred secret that is the greatest and ultimate knowledge (Raja Vidhya), He points out that despite it being inaccessible and difficult, it is still directly attainable (provided it is understood clearly) to those who are keen to gain access to it through meditation. The desire to understand has to be matched with the determination to be engaged in regular study and reflection.

The mysterious and impenetrable nature of Truth and the limitations of the human intellect together make its comprehension difficult. Human intellect at best is able to get only glimpses of Truth and, failing to grasp its entirety, remains prejudiced.

In this context, Arjuna exemplifies the ideal disciple, for he is willing to listen patiently, and remains unbiased. The Lord reinforces that only with tremendous faith in the teaching can one make the intuitive leap to comprehend the Truth. Accessing this knowledge is possible by personal experience when direct acquaintance with the truth validates it. For, knowledge that remained as mere information combines with immediate experience to penetrate reality to grasp the profound nature of things. This esoteric and hidden knowledge is the only means by which a soul can get liberated. It is totally aligned with the path of Dharma, promises harmonious existence and release from misery, and remains imperishable.

While philosophers prove that God exists through theoretical discussions and analysis, the Vedic seers have recorded their direct awareness of the reality of God.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword No. 8742
Solution to Puzzle 8741
The highest knowledge
dated October 26, 1956: Haile Selassie in Bombay
dated October 26, 1956: Air link with Tibet
dated October 26, 1956: New Mysore State
Weather

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu