What does Faith have to do with Knowledge

What Does #Faith Have to Do With #Knowledge?

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 1)

Human beings are blessed with two important faculties - viveka shakti, the ability of rational thinking and shraddha, commonly understood as faith. In order to gain knowledge, we require a means of knowledge and also faith in the validity of that means. If we keep on doubting its effectiveness, we will never know anything.

Importance of Faith

Faith is extremely important both in worldly matters as well as in the life of a spiritual seeker. Sraddha is required in the very existence of the object we want to know and in the means of knowledge that will reveal the object to us. In addition, we must have faith in our own abilities.

In the Bhagavad Gita(1), Shri Krishna declares, ‘sraddhavan labhate jnanam’- one who has faith acquires knowledge. The Veda sastra states that one who is fully endowed with faith and viveka is the best student. Such a person understands when he should have faith and when he should continue inquiring and questioning. When both - sraddha and viveka - are well-developed, the student comprehends quickly.

(1). Bhagavad Gita 4.39

What Does #Faith Have to Do With #Knowledge?

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 2)

The second type of person may not be very bright, but he has implicit faith in the teacher, the scriptures and follows their instructions. He believes that by following their teachings, he will be benefitted.

The third kind of person lacks faith and is only interested in arguing. He or she is not considered a good student.

Finally, there may be some who are unable to follow the logic underlying the philosophy of karma. For such people Sri Krishna’s advice is: ‘Just follow my teachings with full faith, without finding fault. Perform your obligatory duties, remembering Me, dedicating them to Me and you too will be liberated from the bondage of karma. Practice what has been taught.’(2)

(2). Bhagavad Gita 3.31

What Does #Faith Have to Do With #Knowledge?

#SwamiTejomayananda

(part 3)

History is replete with examples of enlightened masters who had full faith in the ability, nobility and wisdom of their Guru. They implicitly followed the instructions, and attained God realization.

Let us take a simple example. Suppose I have a medical problem and go to a doctor. After examining me, he will diagnose my illness and give me a prescription. It is important for me to have faith in his ability and not question his actions, ‘Why have you prescribed medicine? I read on Google that …’ Today. even this simple faith is lacking. Don’t keep on finding fault. Have faith.

Sri Krishna goes on to describe the lot of those who have no faith and constantly find fault with the theory of right action. He observes that such people are deluded and confused in every field of knowledge. They only harm themselves by their critical attitude.(3) I once met a man in Delhi who said that he had written a long commentary on the Gita. He had refuted everything written there!

Have faith, follow the teachings and see the difference in your life.

(3). Bhagavad Gita 3.32

(end)