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62
THE PRACTICAL DHARMA
ability. Above all, the opinion of ill-trained men, and even of scientists, formed as the result of the demolition of mysticism and misunderstood theology, is to be accepted with the greatest caution. These gentlemen, finding the dogmatic preaching of certain obscure and incomplete systems of theology unreasonable and opposed to the healthy voice of common sense, are apt to make sweeping assertions about religion, holding every form of it to be devoid of sense, without properly studying the subject. If the seeker after truth will not allow his mind to be swayed by imperfect or inexhaustive research, or one-sided statements of fact, and retain his composure in the midst of the Babel of voices, he will, ere long, discover that there is nothing intrinsically absurd in the Scripture of Truth, even in respect of matters not ascertainable with the intellect-descriptions of heavens and hells, the past history of saints and Saviours of mankind and the like. He will find that the intellect can neither prove nor disprove the Scriptural text in respect of these matters with conclusive effect, so that he has to fall back upon the testimony of the Authors of the Scripture till the manifestation of the higher types of knowledge puts an end to the controversy, by enabling him to directly perceive the truth for himself. The absolute accuracy of the text with regard to all matters determinable by reason is a guarantee of its truthfulness even in respect of those which fall beyond its legitimate province, and suffices to form the basis of faith for the laity. In practice it will be seen that the more the Scriptural text is found to be in agreement with the conclusions of an unbiased mind, the greater is the respect, and, consequently, also, faith, which it will engender in the heart.
The layman should begin by harnessing into service study and meditation which would speedily enable him to discern truth from falsehood, and prevent him from falling into wrong and unworthy company. He must then adopt the truth the moment it is discovered, and worship the true trinity of God, guru and sästra till he can stand on his own legs, that is to say, till he can manage to become absorbed in the contemplation of his own ātman (soul). Neither the fear of public opinion, the sense of ridicule, nor any other personal or private motive should be allowed to stand in the way of adopting the right faith, or
