Method of Authority Prof.

Shri Prakash Blind acceptance of authority occupies a central place in the Indian mode of thought and there is no place for reason and reasoning in it. Mutual dialogue, discussions, debates and criticism, and is as rigorous in its arguments as any other: The guiding maxim of the Indian mode of thinking is that knowledge received from any authority, however veritable it might be, should be examined by each individual in the light of his/her own experience. It is to be accepted by individuals on the criteria of rationality prevalent in their times. Buddha exhorts As the wise test gold by burning, cutting and rubbing it (on piece of touchstone), so are you to accept my words only after examining them and not merely out of regard for me This represents the paradigm, the ultimate criterion of accepting or rejecting the teachings, principles, theories and practices of any school of Indian philosophy and religion. Vivekanand Believe not because some old manuscript are produced, believe not because it is your national belief, because you are made to believe it from your childhood; but reason it all out then if you find that it will do good to one and all, believe it live up to it and help others to live up to it. Bhagvad Gita (VII 24): Through the absence of reason man fails to know the immediate nature of the highest reality Reinforcing the importance of reason, Katha Upanishad (III, 12), says: The atman is realized by subtle seers endowed with the keenest of reason. Again, the Bhagavad Gita (II. 24) says: Reasonhelps to cross beyond the taint of delusion and ignorance. He can sharpen his intellect and keep his faculty of reasoning up and running by shravana (hearing), manana (reflection) and nididhyasana (deep meditation). It is purified reason that helps man to know right and wrong, fear and fearlessness, bondage and liberation. (Bhagavad Gita, XVIII, 30).