Live Options

The next question is how we contact that Supreme Creator. One could propose that the true path to finding God is to walk into your closest multi-storey car park and smash the windscreen of every blue Vauxhall Astra while simultaneously screaming at the top of your voice! Well... it’s something you could conceivably do, but something I doubt anyone would seriously consider. Firstly, there is the small issue of criminal arrest. Secondly, it’s difficult to logically reconcile how such an act could trigger the desired benefit. Thirdly, we don’t really see significant numbers of people successfully adopt this approach in their pursuit for spiritual realisation. While there are many choices in life, there is also an inbuilt intellectual screening process that filters out the nonsense.

The American Psychologist, William James, claimed that although there are a multitude of options in life, certain opportunities stand out above the rest due to key factors:

1. Practical – I can do it (without harmful consequences or drastic changes to my life)

2. Beneficial – I want to do it (because there is intrinsic logical value in this option)

3. Probable – I feel confident to do it (since many people have successfully experienced the benefit)

If something is practical, beneficial and probable, it’s considered a ‘live option,’ and it’s clearly in our self-interest to invest time and energy into seriously considering it. To whimsically or blindly reject such opportunities would be irrational, unintelligent and unjustifiable. If there is something that could enhance your life, that is easily applicable, and is something that many people are clearly benefitting from, why would you not at least explore it?

The spiritual proposals of Srimad-Bhagavatam fulfil such criteria. After giving a philosophically cogent explanation of the creator, the Srimad-Bhagavatam goes on to explain how we can connect with Him and experience a dynamic and tangible reciprocation. The spiritual practices recommended to achieve this are entirely practical, not requiring massive lifestyle changes, but simple additions of hearing, chanting and devotional immersion into one’s daily routine. For those who do, there are huge benefits on a physical, mental and spiritual level that make logical sense and become apparent within a short time. Furthermore, millions of people esteem the profundity of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and have gained immense spiritual wisdom and divine revelation from its teachings.

While one may not want to blindly follow it, surely it would be just as absurd to blindly doubt it. To categorically deny such spiritual opportunities, such live options, without any significant investigation, suggests a stubborn, irrational and illogical predisposition towards a certain worldview. Ironically, many of the very individuals who reject such wisdom without thorough investigation, simultaneously pride themselves in being ‘scientific’ and ‘free from subjective superstition.’ The Vedic scriptures are the oldest, most voluminous and most consistent body of literature known to man, containing information not only of the creative process, but of every science that any human society needs, including medicine, economics, social organisation, and so on. By its comprehensive nature alone, the Vedic literature deserves serious study by researchers in every field.