When we solve a complex jigsaw puzzle, most people try to fix some parts on the edge and then assuming that the piece is in its correct place, proceed to fix others relative to it. It may happen that the assumption was wrong and then one needs to backtrack and fix the error and proceed again. After all the pieces have fit in correctly, one can feel happy that the puzzle has been solved.
Actually, there are 2 ways to end the puzzle: The first way is one in which we have/know what the final solved puzzle should look like. In that case, we can simply compare the pieces and fit them in the appropriate places. Also, when all the pieces are fit in, one can cross check to see if the finished puzzle looks like what we wanted it to be. That would signal the solution of the puzzle.
There is a second way: In this, we do not know what the final finished puzzle should look like. So, we can only find out if we have solved the puzzle by cross-checking if all the pieces have fit in. Even in this, one has to assume that a certain piece belongs to a particular place. If that assumption turns out to be wrong because some other pieces do not fit in, then one has to backtrack and rectify the error.
The study of Vedic/Hindu religion is a bit like the jigsaw puzzle: one does not what is the final picture. Also, one has to assume certain parts are correct. If one makes these assumptions, then one can clearly see all the pieces fall in place one after the other. When the study is done, one could see the overall picture and see if there was any misfit pieces or not.
Just a metaphor...the way I see it.
1 comment:
Considering above problem do you mean that Vedic/Hindu religion topic has limited solution to one problem/question because for one question it has chain of assumption and final answer, which can be proved with many ways.
No, the only single assumption in the study of the subject that is required is that the Vedic literature is correct. There is no other assumption required. All other pieces automatically fall in place. (This assumption is required because many things mentioned cannot be proved using mankind's existing knowledge.)
Of course, people might ask how they could be sure whether the literature they are reading (translated or otherwise) is the "correct interpretation" or not. That can be answered by the same logic - if all pieces fall in place, then probably it is the authentic interpretation.
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