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, Swami Mukundananda 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.