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.
