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Recent Discussions on Speculation

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Vijay_Srinivasan • July 14, 1998 


S(Z)hri Mani wrote:

But I ask in turn, is speculation in and of itself
an evil? By speculation, I do not mean daydreaming, but
informed speculation based on intelligence and
investigation. Is this so wrong?

Are not the inspired musings of Yajnavalkya or Tirumazhisai
Alvar themselves types of speculations?

All are requested to respond.

Mani

P.S. Please do not simply quote some text as an answer
to this question. That defeats the purpose of this
discussion!

My answer:

I think speculation is definitely not an evil.  However, it wastes a lot of
time which could otherwise be used for 'Japam' or 'Bhaghavan nama
smaranam'.   I think one should quickly get over the questioning and
doubting stage and firmly set his mind to practising sadhanas to realize
Bhaghavan.  Once His grace descends on us we will probably give up the need
to speculate.

Mani again wrote:

One of our other correspondents has replied in a similar vein.
While this may be true, I believe Ram in his original post is
asking a more psychological question. If I may rephrase it as
follows: "I know that I should believe in Bhagavan and the
shastras, and Bhagavan's messengers such as the acharyas. But
my mind continues to wander and speculate about all sorts of
things. What am I to do?"

My answer:

Reciting Vishnu Sahasranamam with devotion and regular Gayatri Japam will
help to prevent or reduce such wanderings.


Dasan

Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan