Way of Life Part 1

SR No.: 006513
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 432
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 22 MB

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THE WAY OF LIFE
authority and veracity of the Shastras which contain an exposition of the spiritual doctrines. In every sphere, belief in the authenticity of authoritative texts has been considered essential. People have to accept the authenticity of certain texts in the spheres of law, science, Ayurved and the allopathic medicine. In the matter of Dharma, you have to believe in and accept the authenticity of the Dharmagranthas.
IN THE SPHERE OF DHARMA, DHARMAGRANTHAS SHOULD BE TRUSTED
Just as in other spheres, man cannot be arbitrary, even in the sphere of Dharma, man cannot be arbitrary. In the sphere of science, experiments are conducted on the basis of some theories. The theories that have been experimentally proved become universally accepted laws, and they become authentic theories. Just as there are such branches of knowledge as physical science, the science of physiology, psychology; just as there are authentic works and treatises in those branches of knowledge, and just as studies and research are carried out on the basis of those works; and experiments are conducted; in the same manner, there is the science of metaphysical theories and the science of the soul. There are two kinds of science, namely, physical science and the metaphysical science. We do not hesitate to believe the theories expounded in the sphere of physical sciences; then why should there be any hesitation in accepting and believing the theories in the sphere of metaphysics and spirituality ? Those enlightened men who have exhorted people to perform spiritual activities have also described the manner of performing them. Without a knowledge of this prescription, how can you perform Dharma ? In order to know this, you have to seek the aid of authentic granthas you cannot perform your spiritual activities properly without the aid of those granthas. If you try to perform Dharma without that aid, it will only become adharma. Observe the life of those who perform spiritual activities blindly following others, or with an imperfect knowledge. In such a case, there will not arise any spiritual excellence; and there will not take place any spiritual elevation or transformation.