All our knowledge is based on experience of some kind and so is inferential knowledge, in which we go from the particular to the general or from the general to the particular.
In what we refer to as the exact sciences, it is relative easy to obtain experience, as the investigation relates to specific issues that are derived from applying proven methods of investigation.
Does religion have any such basis?
The answer is yes and no.
Religion as it is generally taught is founded on faith, belief and scriptural interpretation based on the various religious denominations. History proves that different branches of religion have contrasting interpretations on the same subjects. This is one reason, why we often find religions quarreling amongst themselves by asserting, that theirs is the only true teaching.
A general claim of many religions is, that there is a great Being above the clouds governing the whole universe and that this must be believed just because they say so.
Such statements give religion a questionable reputation amongst the more inquiring, minds who rely on realistic standards of investigation for information, rather than on offhand statements that have been past down without challenge for generations.
There is, however a basis of universal belief in religion and upon investigation, we find that it too is also based on experience.
When we look at the various religions of the worlds, we will find that they are divided into two kinds: those who have books and those who have no books. Those with books are stronger and have a larger following than those without books. Yet in all of them we find one common opinion: that the truths they teach are the results of the experience of particular persons.
Christianity is based on the teaching of Jesus and since the teachings are extraordinary, Christians believe in him as an Incarnation of God. If we ask someone why he is practicing Christianity, he may well reply, because he believes in the teaching. However, if we go further in our investigation to the source, we will find that the message is bases on experience and the testimony of those who were with Jesus who said, that he was in communion with God and therefore knew God.
His disciples said that they felt God. Similarly are the teachings of Buddhism based on the experience of Buddha. He experienced certain truth, saw them and preached them to the world.
Unfortunately most religions claim, that knowing and being in communion with God or being God realized was only possible for saints, seers and prophets of the past and that this is not happening in our present era. They state, that God communion was meant to be for the founders of their religion and what has been written in scriptures has to be taken on faith.
Yoga would deny such claims. It declares, not only is religion based on the experience of ancient times, but also, that ‘no’ man can be religious until he has had at least some experience himself.
If there has been one experience in this world in any particular branch of knowledge, it follows that the same experience has been possible many times before and will be repeated as long as there is human life on earth.
Unfortunately, There has been more blood shed in the name of God than for any other cause because people never go to the source of the teachings, they rely on their own and their cultural interpretations and limited understanding of what thescriptural teachings represent.
Modern thinking of churches and many educated people claims that religion and metaphysics and all searches for a Supreme Being are futile; others claim that religion is a source that provides a strong motive for doing good in the world and if men believe in God, they may become good and moral citizens.
We can only assume why many think that way, but one could reason that the cause lies in that the religious teachings are primarily based on words that describe the past and are carried forever into the present.
But thinking man wants truth. He wants to experience truth for himself. When he has grasped it, realized it, felt it within, then alone will doubts vanish. There is a way out of darkness, and it is by perceiving ‘That, the Supreme’ which is beyond all darkness.
The science of yoga proposes a practical and scientific method of reaching the truth. One could read many books on the subject, but that would not necessarily make one religious. It would only proof, that one is informed about religion. There is a big difference between knowing about something and knowing it. To know it, as in any science, one has to follow a method of investigation with the objective to derive at the truth.
This truth has been preached by sages of all countries, and at all ages, by men and women, pure and unselfish who declare that they have found certain truth higher than the senses can bring us, and they invite verification. They ask us to take up the discipline and practice intently. Then, if we do not find the higher truth, we shall have the right to say, that there is no truth in their claim; but before we have done that, we are not rational in denying the truth of their assertions.
In acquiring knowledge, we make use of generalization. Generalization is based on observation. We first observe facts, then generalize and finally we draw conclusions or formulate principles.
The knowledge of the mind, of one’s internal nature or thought, can never be had until one has first developed the power of observing what is going on within. It is relatively easy to observe facts in the external world, but it is not as easy with the inner world, where we have no instruments to aid us.
Yoga proposes to give us such a means of observing the inner states. The instrument to be applied in this process is the mind itself and the realization, that our true nature is the witness of the content of the mind.
Faith or believe is valid in any investigation of inner or outer reality. For without it, we may never attempt any investigation, but to accept everything on faith alone, can become futile for one’s mental and spiritual well being.
Finally, faith based on actual experience eliminates all doubt.
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