Ordinarily, in daily life, we form opinions and judgments based on data we have and experiences we undergo. They are based on ideas available to us through various branches of knowledge and their means of disseminating knowledge. All such knowledge is limited in nature, hence the need for ongoing research. Consequently, it is only natural we ask questions, develop ideas, form opinions and judgments which may be in line with the data and experiences or may be counter to them and we express our conclusions. Some professions are paid to form and deliver opinions and judgments which others act upon.
How should a seeker of Self-knowledge ask questions or present ideas or opinions regarding the Teachings, the Scriptures? The following quote is from the Bhagavad Gita verse 4.34 …
Understand Reality by prostrating to the Teacher, asking proper questions and by service. The wise who have the vision of the Truth, will teach you this Knowledge. (Swami Paramarthananda)
The attitude required of the seeker is knowing and accepting that the Scriptures are correct, in fact infallible. This is because the Scriptures are revealed knowledge. They are the ‘words of Ishvara’ given to us through the Rishis.
If any doubt or question or difference in opinion arises in the mind of the seeker, it should be taken as a lack of clarity in the mind of the seeker. The doubt or question does not indicate a defect in the Teaching/Scripture but in the mind of the seeker. Every seeker begins with ignorance and so the attitude to have is “1. The Scripture/Teaching is correct. 2. I do not understand what the Scripture states and I need to humbly present my question as a doubt on my part”. It is dangerous to form opinions based on ignorance.
It is with this attitude that the seeker presents his/her question as a doubt to be clarified by the Teacher. It requires humility on the part of the seeker to acknowledge that the defect or lack of clarity is present in his/her mind and not in the Scripture/Teaching. Humility is the first quality mentioned in BGita v13.8.
Next, the Teacher is one who is firmly established as pure Consciousness and knows the Scriptures clearly and thoroughly (Mundaka Upanishad 1.2.12). The Teacher is looked upon as the embodiment of the Scripture/Teaching, the ‘voice of Ishvara’ and knows how to use the words of Scripture wisely and appropriately to help the seeker Thus, the seeker presents the question or doubt which is in the seeker’s mind to the Teacher and seeks clarification from the Teacher so that knowledge is gained. This implies that the seeker fully accepts the Scriptures as being the ultimate source of knowledge and that the Teacher can be trusted to resolve the question or doubt. Priority is given to the Scripture/Teaching and Teacher.
In summary, the Scripture and Teacher are accepted as correct. Any question, doubt or opinion that arises in the seeker’s mind is from Self-ignorance which needs to be overcome. This is the attitude with which seekers in the tradition approach the Scripture/Teaching and Teacher and present their doubts and questions.
Ben De Silva
