SEARCH FOR TRUTH

This aspect of the mystical experience proves it to be a totally subjective discipline. And something as subjective as this can in no degree be a rational answer to the human search for truth. Those who have attempted to describe the mystic experience have chosen different ways of doing so. One is the narrative method, that is, describing their point of view in terms only of claims, without any supporting arguments. Another method is to make use of metaphors. That is, attempt to describe something by means of supposed analogies. From the point of view of rational reasoning, both methods are inadequate, being quite lacking in any credibility in rational terms, and are therefore invalid. Therefore the three branches—philosophy, science and mysticism do not provide answers to a seeker as he aims at a rational explanation of the world and endeavours to discover a definite principle by which he may successfully plan his present life. The highlight of human existence is consciousness, or the mind. The successful seeker of truth finds it at the level of the mind, or consciousness, and not at the level of ecstasy. A material analogy is the electric bulb and the powersource. The bulb in its inactivated state is a lightless object. With no inherent light, it lacks the innate ability to give light to others. But when connected to the powersource, it immediately lights up, becomes bright, giving light to others. This exemplifies the criterion for discovering truth. Finding the truth is like consciously finding a light. For a conscious being like man, an unawakened mind cannot realize the ultimate truth or the higher reality of God. God can be realized only through a developed mind. The field of knowledge is vast, and can be classified as—knowledge of things and knowledge of truth. The study of man tells that deeper knowledge is required to determine how to lead life in this world. This has been dealt with in detail by Alexis Carrel in his book, Man the Unknown. It has to be conceded that man cannot discover this necessary knowledge through his own efforts and requires external guidance. Therefore the stage is left to the Prophets to present the knowledge of truth. o