Key of Knowledge

SR No.: 006702
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown
Publication Year: 1919
Total Pages: 1204
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 25 MB

Page 212

THE FALI..
191
ultimately murdered by his brother. Now, Cain is reason which deals with inert matter by the dissecting, analysing and classifying processes of induction ; hence, be is described as the tiller of soil which is a symbol for matter. But Abel is Faith which is directed towards Life itself. He is, therefore, described as the keeper of sheep, the symbol of live-stock, hence life. The Lord loves Faith, but is less inclined towards Reason, which can primarily only offer him the produce of matter as an offering. Hence, the offering of Abel is acceptable to the Lord in preference to that of Cain. This upsets Reason, which makes short work of Faith and destroys it. The curse pronounced by the all-knowing God describes the principal features of Reason as distinguished from blind Faith. The riddle of the universe is a source of worry to Reason, hence Ground is not to yield her strength unto it. Another characteristic of induction is a constant wandering in search of experience, hence is Cain to become a fugitive. Again, because all the mischief* that exists in the world is the outcome of Reason, it is called a vagabond too. And, finally, because Reason alone is affected by sleep, it is said to become a dweller in the " Land of Nod.”
Cain's supplication to the Lord is also symbolical of the nature of Reason. Its punishment is more than it can bear. Every one who discovers its real nature is likely to abhor it, since it leads to trouble and bond
* It is interesting to note, as Schopenhauer points out, that in acknowledging a fault we endeavour to father it upon the head in preference to the heart, thus sacrificing away reason to defend good intention.