Figuring things out for ourselves
Know vs. No (1min read)
In the Vedic worldview, we favor know over no.
Rather than writing things off at face value or because of what we heard, we prefer to try those things and form our own opinions based on the highest-quality information available—direct experience.
We call it doing research.
This bit of Vedic wisdom underlies the idea that smoking an entire pack of cigarettes at once is the best way to never get hooked, with the idea being you’ll probably find them disgusting and never want to use them again.
By taking someone else’s word about something, or following public opinion about someone, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to learn for ourselves, which is a prime reason for our incarnation in this life in the first place.
“Clear your mind of dogmatic theological debris; let in the fresh, healing waters of direct perception. Attune yourself to the active inner Guidance…”
— Lahiri Mahasaya, Autobiography of a Yogi
Sometimes, this research is uncomfortable, or even painful, like when we touched the stovetop for the first time as kids.
Other times, our research brings us a new type of joy we would have never otherwise known.
The flip side
Other people deserve—and require—the same opportunity to know things for themselves, even if we feel we know better.
While it can be incredibly difficult to see a friend or loved one struggling, attempting to “jailbreak” someone from their circumstances only robs them of the opportunity to learn for themselves.
A butterfly freed from its chrysalis prematurely fails to strengthen its wings sufficiently.
Of course, there’s a fine line between respecting others’ autonomy and ignoring their needs.
So how do we know when to offer help and when to keep quiet?
That comes down to something called worthy inquiry.
Let’s discuss these and other ideas during Collective Effervescence, our online group meditation series, this Sunday November 13 at 8am LA / 11am MIA / 5pm EU. Drop in for meditation only (first 30 min) or stay for a discussion + Q&A about various life topics from the Vedic perspective.
Music this week by meditator Ringo Starr of that little band called The Beatles, whose White Album was inspired by their time with my teacher’s teacher, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.