The value of religious and philosophical discourses

The value of religious and philosophical discourses

The value of religious and philosophical discourses

By listening repeatedly to discussions and discourses on topics of this kind, the path to first-hand knowledge of what has been heard gradually

opens out. You know, it is as when water uninterruptedly dripping on a

stone finally makes a hole in it, and then a flood may suddenly surge

through which will bring Enlightenment.

 

Be it the perusal of Sacred Texts, listening to religious discourses, engaging in kirtan –

God must be the alpha and omega of whatever is done. When reading, read

about Him, when talking, talk of Him and when singing, sing His praises.

These three practices are intrinsically the same; but because people

respond differently, the same is expressed in three different ways to

suit each person’s temperament and capacity for assimilation.

Essentially there is only He and He alone, although everyone has his own

individual path that leads to Him. What is the right path for each,

depends on his personal predilection, based on the specific character of

his inner qualifications.

 

Take for instance the study of Vedanta. Some seekers become completely drowned in it.

 

Just as others may so lose themselves in kirtan as to fall into a trance, a student of Vedanta

may become wholly absorbed in his texts, even more so than the one who

gets carried away by kirtan. According to one’s specific line of

approach, one will be able to achieve full concentration through the

study of a particular Scripture, or by some other means.

 

First comes listening, then reflection, and last of all the translation into

action of what has been heard and pondered over. This is why one has

first of all to listen, so that later on each may he able to select

Vedanta or kirtan or whatever else be in his own line.

 

Have you never come across people making light of kirtan, saying: “What is there

to be gained by it?” Nevertheless, after listening to it for some length

of time, they actually develop a liking for it. Therefore one must

listen before one can reflect, and then later, what has been heard and

reflected upon will take shape in action suited to the person concerned.

To listen to discourses on God or Truth is certainly beneficial,

provided one does not allow oneself to be moved by a spirit of

fault-finding or disparagement, should there be differences of outlook

to one’s own. To find fault with others creates obstacles for everyone

all around: for him who criticizes, for him who is blamed, as well as

for those who listen to the criticism. Whereas, what is said in a spirit

of appreciation is fruitful to everybody.

Anandamayee Ma

Hinduism

 

 

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