Gandhis Teachers Rajchandra Ravjibhai Mehta

SR No.: 006754
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satish Sharma
Publisher: Gujarat Vidyapith Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 260
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Rajchandra
File Size: 11 MB

Page 248

230
Gandhi's Teachers : Rajchandra Ravjibhai Mehta
deeper import than what the Vedas contain. I, therefore, believe that, since something imperfect cannot be the origin of a perfect thing, we are not justified in asserting that all religions originated from the Vedas. We may believe that Vaishnavism and other sects had their origin in the Vedas. It seems that the latter existed before the time of the Buddha and Mahavira, the last teacher of Jainism; it also seems likely that they are really ancient works. But we cannot say that only that which is ancient is true or perfect, nor that what came later is necessarily untrue or imperfect. Apart from this, the ideas propounded in the Vedas and in Jain doctrines have existed from the beginning of time; only the outward forms changed. There is no totally new creation or absolute destruction. Since we may believe that the ideas propounded by the Vedas and in the doctrines of Jainism and other religions have existed from the beginning of time, where is the room for controversy? All the same, it is only right that you and I, and others should reflect and consider which of these systems of ideas has more power-truth-in them.
Q. 9 Who composed the Vedas? Are they anadi.” If so, what does anadi mean?
A. (1) The Vedas were probably composed a long time ago.
(2) No scripture, considered as a book, is anadi; but with respect to the ideas propounded in them, all scriptures are anadi, for there have been souls at all times who taught them in one form or another. It cannot be otherwise. The emotions of anger, etc., are anadi and so are those of forgiveness, etc. The way of violence, too, is anadi, as is the path of nonviolence. What we should consider is which of these conduce to the welfare of the soul? Both classes of things are anadi, though sometimes the one and sometimes the other may be predominant.
Q. 10 Who is the author of the Gita? Is God its author? Is there any evidence that He is?
A. (1) The replies given above partly answer this question;