MAHABHARATHA vis-s-vis THE BIBLE , JOHN 20:29, FOR CONCLUSIVE KNOWLEDGE ARE SENSE ORGANS HELPFUL !!!???

How far we can rely on our sense organs, to perceive reality, things and events as they are, and chart the course of our life ? Are our sense organs dependable under all circumstances ? The answer is  NO !!! In the desert we see water, but it keeps on receding as we approach- water is a mirage in the desert. This we experience even on our highways. Similarly when we sit in a stationary compartment, and the train beside on a parallel track moves, we feel we are moving in the opposite direction. We see a star in the sky, but the star may be no more, because it would have been dead by the time its light reaches our eyes. In dim light, if we see a coiled rope in our pathway, we are likely to get startled, thinking it to be a snake. Those seen itself with ‘own fleshy eyes’ is bound to confuse us. Then there are many things unseen, but exists. Eg. Light-waves beyond a particular wavelength, ie ultraviolet & infra-red. Modern atomic experiments in this respect are secondary deductions. Instruments, however sophisticated they are, cannot overcome the limitation of our senses. Infact they are only an extension of our sensory organs, and at best can only magnify our distorted vision.

Indians were well aware of the limitations of  relying solely on sensory perceptions, they understood its range to be limited, and they gave it least importance in deciding the larger questions of life. This approach made the Indian civilization robust. Jesus, though he believed that there are many phenomena that were beyond the capacity of our ‘fleshy eyes’, was not successful in convincing the masses around him. Great contrast  between Palestinian & Indians at all periods of time !!! Like difference between apple & orange, though both belong to the genre of fruits !!!!

Throughout his career, Jesus had to perform miracles and even sorcery (driving out demons) ,that could be classified as another optical illusion (because even this sight is not 100% reliable) , to convince the people and make them believe. Thus instead of  changing the  mindset of the masses, he reinforced it, and this later got carrier over to the ‘scientific’ pursuits that happened in Europe. (Later science took upon itself , to explain the reality behind our illusions.) Now we are at a  point in time, where we are in a position to  assess the effects of such a mindset. And based on   the feed-back from all quarters,  to our consternation we, because of the dominant European thought, are saddled with a negative Balance Sheet.!!!! And the rigid but unreliable mindset based on sensory knowledge has given rise to  an invisible wall which is obstructing Western world to embrace the Indian way of life.

In India, direct sense perception is given least importance, as a means of  adding to the existing body of knowledge. The senses(indriyas)  of one whose mind is not pure and calm , may deceive him in his proper understanding of the universe and its various objects and phenomena. Thus such knowledge is prone to

error. Uncontrolled senses will also disturb the mind. Either way knowledge gets distorted, since  output (here knowledge), depends on inputs of the senses, processing or synthesizing by mind &  intellect and output.- Garbage-in, Garbage-out.- The same is with reasoning, another human faculty. Reasoning has its own limitation, and reasoning hits a glass ceiling, trying to find the first cause of the universe. The knowledge from such persons who are called Sthita-prajna or Guna-theetha (as defined in the Gita), who have attained spiritual heights can only be considered as authoritative knowledge. And the Sruthis (Vedas) and the Smrithis  are reliable in this aspect, because they contain the knowledge from such persons, purified in mind and one with the supreme being.

The limits as well as  unreliability of the sense perceptions, in providing us complete and error free knowledge is highlighted in the Mahabharata and Bible. In the Bible, Jesus is asking Doubting Thomas to see and touch/feel  his wounds, to ascertain his crucifixion and resurrection by himself, so that he believes in the resurrection of Christ. Thomas feels that what he sees only he can believe. And Jesus hints that there are many matters that cannot be seen, and they are really blessed who believe without seeing.

In Mahabharatha, doubts encountered by one and the role of  direct sense perception in creating and dispensing doubt is discussed in detail, in the Anushasana Parva. It says that one who is having equanimity of mind ie. a Stitha-pranjana is the one

untainted source of current/contemporary knowledge. Such a person’s guide star is the Vedas and Yogic practice.

Who is a Sthitha-prajna, and how one can strive and become a Sthitha-pranja  is discussed in detail in the B.Gita.  Such an individual is one with the Supreme Being, Brahmam, and he attains the entire knowledge of the cosmos. In facts he becomes the knowledge per-se. There is then nothing unknown to him. He becomes god-head.

A despondent Arjuna is motivated by Krishna , to become a Sthi-prajna. This motivation is done by way of imparting knowledge about Yoga (union with Paramatma) to Arjuna. But at the same time Krishna cautions that it will take great efforts over extended periods of time, even many births to become one. Arjuna thus surrenders to Krishna fully, becomes entirely convinced of the knowledge Krishna is imparting, tries to learn it  and in his earnestness to know more, requests to be shown the cosmic form, which is completely known and realized by   Sthitha-Prajna individuals. Thus to put Arjuna in the shoes  of a Sthitha-prajana, Krishna gives a ‘Divya-Chakshhus’ a  divine eye/vision to  Arjuna temporarily.(on Arjuna’s request, Gita 11:3)

The Gita also reminds us that we do not view the universe as it is

to be viewed. Gita 15 : 1-4.  We  infact  are seeing and perceiving , upside down. A pictorial illustration is available at the following link :  http://www.asitis.com/gallery/plate35.html

Thus  a convinced Arjuna, who in his life-time had done penances is given divine-vision for seeing, things not seen.  Arjuna is qualified through his penances,he is a fit vessel, to receive the gift of divine-vision, Krishna is giving. This is in marked contrast to giving a vision to a doubting man (Thomas) by Jesus. Jesus is bent on convincing a doubting man, whereas Krishna heeds to the request of man who is resolute in his knowledge, but wants to learn and experience further. Compared to Jesus, Krishna responds only to seeker who has taken refuge in him. Here Arjun  is taking the initiative to gain knowledge.

Firstly, doubts of various sorts assail Arjuna. See Gita 1:  21-46. He then becomes utterly confused, exposing his confused mind to Krishna through his words, and becomes overcome with grief (Gita 1:47), not knowing the course of action to be taken. Krishna who is acting as the charioteer chides him. (Gita 2: 2,3).Thereafter Arjuna fully surrenders to Krishna and takes refuge in him, further requesting him to show the way.(Gita 2:7). Krishna thus addresses, the felt need of Arjuna.

Jesus according to John 20: 20, of all people displays  his wounds (inflicted on his body during crucifixtion) to his disciples, so that they ‘believe in him’. “After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”  These passages convey the impression that, the so called disciples themselves were not fully convinced about the divinity of Jesus, and Jesus had to show them the wounds to convince them and make them believe in his divine status.

The disciples had spoken of this event to Thomas, who was not present the first time Jesus came, but he doubted the disciples thus doubting the veracity of this account of resurrection. Just to convince Thomas, Jesus appeared a second time a week later, before Thomas , when he was in the company of the other disciples. He asked Thomas to use his sense of sight as well as touch, to verify the wounds inflicted during crucifixion.  Thus Jesus puts in extra effort, to make a doubting man believe in him, through sense perceptions.(which is not reliable according to Indian thought)

This marked contrast in approach to God and religion, defines the

difference in the way of thought and living between Indians/Hindus and the people in Christian nations. For Indians God is sought after a felt need. So usually there is a REAL change of heart, which is reflected in peaceful conduct. This also explains, why India never invaded, colonized, and proselytized. This is the strength of India, and Christianity’s weakness.

Whatever one does, even if he be God , a doubting person can never be convinced. We all behave like Doubting Thomas !? And doubts are the product of ignorance, absence of right or proper knowledge. Unless we gain knowledge through right means, doubts remain. The right means to right knowledge is imparted to Arjuna, by Krishna in the Gita. Indians had always accorded the highest value to such knowledge.

JEASUS IS CAUGHT IN A SITUATION, SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE, WHO NEED proof/evidence, for belief. His own

disciples belong to that class, and most of them had deserted him at the time of his crucifixion, showing their absolute lack of faith in Jesus. Therefore Jesus had to walk the extra mile in making his own disciples believe in him. It is also clear from Jesus own words, that he was not in favour of proof based belief in God. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The effect of JESUS TEACHINGS in the minds of  Palestinians ie in Middle-East, it seems Jesus had anticipated. Refer to the parable in Luke about sowing seeds . Luke 8 : 4-15. Considering

the history of world and world events, India is that ‘good soil’. Here people have knowledge about God, NOT belief/faith in God, and this knowledge is shaping their conduct. !!!!

This evidence/proof based belief in Christian religion, has surfaced in Modern Science (scientific experiments)  and it is also seen in evidence based criminal investigation. Whether it has done any good to the world, can be the subject of further investigation !!!! ???? One thing is certain, based on evidence/proof , CERN, EUROPE  will never be able to find the secret/mysteries of the Universe. Even with the bubble chamber or the most powerful Hadron collider, which is expected to provide evidence, CERN will never be able to find 'THE FUNDAMENTAL' foundation, giving rise to this universe. For knowing this individually, the world will have to turn to India.

Now we shall refer to the ‘original’ texts.

John 20:24-29 -New King James Version (NKJV)

Seeing and Believing

24. Now Thomas, called (known as) the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

 25  The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

26  And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

 27  Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

28  And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

29  Jesus said to him, “Thomas,[a] because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord - For we live(walk) by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7,

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

 MAHABHARATHA - Chapter 162, (Anushasanika Parva)-Continued.

The authority of direct perception, inference, the science of the scriptures.

Vaishampayana said “After Krishna, the son of Devaki, had said

these words, Yudhishthira once more  asked Bhishma the son of Shantanu, saying, O you of great intelligence, O foremost of all persons, knowing duties (dharma), which indeed of the two, direct perception and the scriptures, is to be considered as authority for coming to a conclusion ?” – Sloka 1 & 2

Bhishma  said “ I think there is no doubt in this. Listen to me. O you of great wisdom. I shall answer you. The question you have asked is indeed proper. It is easy to entertain doubt.  But the solution of that doubt is difficult.” -  sloka 3

Numberless are the instances, about both direct perception and Shrutis in which doubts may originate. Certain persons, who take pleasure in the name of logicians, imagining themselves to be gifted with superior wisdom, affirm that direct perception is the only authority – sloka 4

They assert that nothing, however true, exists which is not directly perceivable; or, at least, they doubt the existence of those objects.  Such assertions however are absurd and they who make them are fools, whatever their pride of learning.- sloka 5

If, on the other hand, you entertain any doubt how the one indivisible Brahman could be the cause, I answer that one would understand it only after many years and with the help of Yoga practised assiduously. –sloka 6

Indeed, O Bharatha, one who lives according to such means as present themselves, (who is a Sthitha-prajna/Gunatheethan as per Gita 14:22,23) and one who is devoted, would be capable of understanding it. None else, truly, is competent for comprehending it.- sloka 7

When one gets to the very end of reasons, he attains to that excellent and all comprehending knowledge – that vast mass of effulgence, which illumines all the universe (called Brahmam) –sloka 8

Through reasoning all matters cannot be comprehended or known. What is seen and experienced by the senses, cannot be taken as the ultimate word. What we see, need not be its real form and essence. It is best that what is not fully known or not fully perceived should not be defined in words. –Sloka 9

Yudhishthira said “ Tell me, O grandfather, which among these (four) is most authoritative, viz. direct perception, Inference from observation, the science of scriptures, and various kind of practices which distinguish the good. – Sloka 10

Those, therefore, among the good who are possessed  of understanding purified by the scriptures and who are ever contented, are to be considered as the foremost.(Sthitha-prajnan, Guna-theethan as defined by the Gita) Let those who are anxious  and deprived of tranquility of soul, approach these. Indeed, O yudhishthira, do seek them and ask them for the solutions of your doubts. – Sloka 15

( Ref : Anushasana Parva, Anushasanika parva, Chapter 162, The authority of direct perception, inference, the science of scriptures, pages 636, 637, Mahabharatha-M.N.Dutt- Parimal Publications)