MIND : ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL :22-2.

22. THE FOUR SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE : 2


2. Reason :


Reason is higher than instinct and is found only in human beings.

It collects facts, generalises, reasons out from cause to effect, from effect to cause (a priori and a posteriori methods of reasoning), from premises to conclusions, from propositions to proofs. It concludes, decides and comes to judgment. It takes you safely to the door of intuition and leaves you there.




Belief, reasoning, knowledge and faith are the four important psychic processes.

First you have belief in a doctor.

You go to him for diagnosis and treatment.

He makes a thorough examination and then prescribes certain medicines.

You take them.

You reason out: “Such and such  is the disease.

The doctor has given me Iron and Iodide.

Iron will improve my blood.

The Iodide will stimulate the lymphatics and absorb the exudation and growth in the liver.

So I should take it.”

Then the disease is cured, by a course of these drugs, in a month.

Then you get knowledge of and perfect faith in the efficacy of the medicine and the proficiency of the doctor.

Then you recommend to your friends this doctor and his drugs.



Next : Intuition

Swami Sivananda

To be continued  ...