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DISCOURSE 3
can see heaven and hell. Such enlightened men have seen them and described them for the benefit of the World. Not only have they seen heaven and hell but have also seen and known which jivas go to heaven; and which others go to hell. They have seen the bliss of heaven and the torments of hell. Having seen them, they tell us, "By means of Dharma, heaven can be attained; and sins lead you to hell". This cannot be called enticement and fear (or frightening). This is true spiritual guidance. Giving caution to people to save them from sorrows and agonies is not frightening; but it is an attempt to liberate them from fear and anguish. In this manner, describing the blisses of heaven is to describe a reality and it is not a mistake. Showing a way to others to enable them to attain bliss is not a mistake.
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Heaven and Hell are not imaginary but real
Question:
You say that both heaven and hell exist. Are you convinced of their existence? And if so kindly explain to us the way by which we too can be convinced of their existence.
Answer:
Surely, why not? Those realities which cannot be perceived by the senses and which are metaphysical; not physical, are realised and their existence is proved by means of intellectual estimation or logical reasoning. Just as we use Pratyaksha Praman, the method of determining the existence of a reality by means of sense-perception, there is reasoning as a method to determine the existence of inperceptible realities. Reasoning means here logic. By means of reasoning and by means of logical analysis and argument, we can prove the existence of heaven and hell. Well, you tell me now what is the maximum punishment that is given to a murderer when he is caught red-handed while he is murdering someone.
A Listener: He will be given capital punishment.
Maharajashri: Very good. That murderer who committed one murder is given capital punishment but let us think of another murderer who has killed five people. He too has been
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