Vedanta - Discussion Forum I (introductory))

[Sunder]

<!--QuoteBegin-rajesh_g+Nov 8 2004, 04:08 AM-->QUOTE(rajesh_g @ Nov 8 2004, 04:08 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin--> I want to reach some conclusion that doesnt require faith. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

This may be tough, because faith is the first step to knowledge. If there is no faith, there will be no motivation. But again, Faith is only a stepping stone, and faith is not a be-all end-all. (I used to be an atheist and an anti-theist, but I took the skeptic's approach and cultivated faith in Rajayoga and in Dharmic teachings to see if this was real or humbug. I now know it's for Real.) I cannot stress the importance of faith enough.. so I shall quote from the Srimadh Bhagavad Geetha.

Shraddhavaan Labathe Gnaanam thath parah samyatendriyah.
Gnanam labdhva paraam shaanthim achirenadi gacchathi. (4:39)

(One who has faith will gain knowledge, only after this will he/she gain control of the senses. Once the Knowledge (Realization) has been attained, he/she will attain the Everlasting Peace instantly.

I know the whole vedanta business will be confusing even on repeatedly reading or listening to it. But with patience, and complete faith in the methodology you will gain the EXPERIENCE. This is not just logical conclusion which is a waste of time, we are talking about first hand experience here. Keep up the good work, and falling asleep is only the second stage <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo--> You have only 3 more stages to go thru <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo--> (I had posted the five stages somewhere before.)