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THE COMMON CAUSE
1.4 The kind of knowledge which leads to joy is more comprehensive and perfect than that which is imparted in schools and colleges. It is the knowledge of the nature of those substances and forces, which rob the soul of its inherent happiness and also of those which help the soul to recover its happiness. All other kinds of knowledge may be necessary for worldly needs and sensual pleasures, but is unimportant to one seeking bliss and immortality. Man is endowed with a much greater mental power compared to other creatures and has been making efforts to mould nature to his benefits. It is only this power which distinguishes him from animals. He has acquired a large knowledge about the various objects around him in the Universe and is constantly seeking greater and greater control over forces of nature. But it is very surprising that he does not make sufficient efforts to know his ownself. Without this knowledge, his knowledge of other objects cannot be of much use to himself because he does not know the result of inter-action of self with those other objects. It is because of this, that man does not know as to why he is unhappy and how he can get eternal bliss. Even for the sake of curiosity and knowledge itself, it is natural that a man should like to know as to what is the nature of the substance called 'l', what is its relative place in the Universe, what is the Universe itself, and what is God about whom so much is talked about. Not to try to know these objects is like not knowing one's own family members while attempting to know others in the World.
1.5 The answer to these questions can be had by a scientific study of Metaphysics, Philosophy and Religion.
Science : It implies accurate knowledge free from errors and doubt, well coordinated, arranged and systematized and which may be tested: by experiment.
Metaphysics : It is the science which seeks to know the ultimate grounds of being or what it is that really exists, embracing both psychology and ontology (the doctrine of being, nature of all things or existences). It transcends Physics and is an all comprehensive consistent system of thought that is explanatory of the nature of our surroundings.
Philosophy : The science which aims at an explanation of all the phenomenon of the Universe by ultimate causes; the knowledge
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