Beliefs of some kind are a natural human frailty that help provide emotional solace and determine behavior. While scientific theories are also a type of belief, they are based on observations and cannot be fully verified. All humans, including scientists and philosophers, rely on some beliefs or convictions to cope with uncertainty and live sanely. The only way to overcome prejudices from superstitions is to live beyond the realm of the senses through self-realization, which is said to be possible through constant remembrance of the divine name.
2. The need of beliefs is probably as old as
history of life. This is clear from the beliefs
seen in animals!
The beliefs can be instinctual, emotional
and intellectual. These beliefs determine
our behavior and make restless and even
miserable in their absence.
The term instinctual is used here to
indicate inexplicable primitive emotions.
Just as we are dependent on food, sexual
respite and other instincts, similarly we are
dependent on emotional solace of being
loved and wanted. All this goes unnoticed
as it is taken for granted.
The individual horizons broaden through
emotional maturation and intellectual
profundity. The nature of beliefs is
3. replaced by “evolved” beliefs. But their
scope is restricted by sensory input (even if
immensely multiplied by technology) they
receive!
Theories such as “big bang” or “organic
evolution conceived by Charles Darwin”
are intellectual beliefs termed “scientific”.
They are based on the observations of
linear progress in many apparent aspects
of nature; especially from conception to
death! They cannot be verified!
Such theories based on apparent progress
are subjective illusions fondly harbored by
many; as scientific “truths”! Often this
makes them inconsiderate.
Not merely, science and technology but
even the ultimate thoughts in philosophy
4. are lame in terms of capability to live
without any beliefs and/or so called
convictions! Beliefs of some kind or other;
whether called superstitions, faiths,
convictions, theories or principles are
crutches the mankind has been used to and
dependent on. This human frailty is
biological, physiological and psychological
and hence need not be condemned.
Instead of harboring condescending
attitude the literates should realize this fact
of “crutches” and become humble.
Uncertainty is difficult to fathom and to
live with even for a great scientist or a
profound philosopher. It is almost
incompatible with life of sanity!
5. Hence the only answer to overcome
superstitions and the prejudices born out of
them is to live beyond the realm of senses.
Is this possible? Self realization is said to
make it possible and free you from any
kinds of dogmas (leading to discord) that
you would otherwise depend on and get
crippled by. Self realization and
consequent empowerment of this kind is
said to be possible through
NAMASMARAN. One can try it and verify.
Dr.
Shriniwas
Kashalikar
