When philosophy answers our questions — and when it doesn’t

When philosophy answers our questions — and when it doesn’t – Suppose we are driving and suddenly meet a deadend. That’s when we may turn to a map. If we find a reliable map, we can resume our drive with greater confidence. 

Similarly, during our life-journey, which is like a drive, we sometimes meet a deadend. That is, the conceptions that have guided us are challenged, even countered, by our life-experiences. That’s when we ask philosophical questions to better understand what life is all about. If we fortunately find time-honored metaphysical masterpieces such as the Bhagavad-gita, then we get satisfying answers to many questions that we had earlier considered unanswerable. With the Gita map, we resume our life-journey with a rejuvenated spirit. 

While we are guided by the Gita’s philosophy, what if life’s realities still sometimes bewilder us? Does that mean the Gita map doesn’t work? Not at all. The map itself cautions that even the wise may struggle to determine their path (Bhagavad-gita 04.16). Rather than seeing the asymmetry between philosophy and reality as a refutation of the Gita map, we can see it as a vindication: the Gita anticipates such difficulty and prepares us for it. 

To help us prepare, the Gita outlines a powerful process: bhakti-yoga. If we strive to act in devotional consciousness, divine grace will eventually take us beyond all obstacles (18.58). Devotional practices enable us to experience God’s presence, strength and love in our heart. If we engage in those practices amid difficulties, we can experience him with special intensity and intimacy. And that spiritual experience can empower us far more than any philosophical explanation. 

One-sentence summary:

The Gita provides not just a map for explaining our life’s path, but also a method for experiencing a reality that powers us through life’s pitfalls. 

Think it over:

• How does Gita wisdom act as a map for life?
• While living according to the Gita map, if we still face perplexities how does our experience vindicate the Gita, not refute it?
• How does the Gita offer us something more than a map?

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04.16: Even the intelligent are bewildered in determining what is action and what is inaction. Now I shall explain to you what action is, knowing which you shall be liberated from all misfortune.