The Atma Jyoti Blog

Q: How important is theology or formal philosophy?

Even the way Sanatana Dharma presents its ideas–its philosophy–is affected by the evolutionary view that is fundamental to it. We realize that no one can be coerced to believe something he does not believe, and that to force him to pretend to believe is a spiritual crime. True dharma cannot say to anyone: “This is the truth; believe it or else.” What really matters is the person’s present state of evolution and his interest in and capacity for consciously working toward higher states of evolution.

Intellectual theology or philosophy becomes insignificant unless it can help us in the practical application of evolutionary spiritual life and understanding. It is basically useless to believe that God exists unless we comprehend that we, too, are eternally part of the Divine Life. It means nothing to believe in Deity if we do not believe and act upon the fact of our own divinity. Nor is it of any value to consider anyone as a “savior,” for each one of us must realize and exercise our innate capacity to “save” ourselves from ignorance, from birth and death.

Every belief or principle should be looked at from the perspective: What does it do in my efforts for evolving myself? If it has no application (and we must be sure that we do not judge hastily about this) then why bother with it? The approach to beliefs should be thoroughly pragmatic. We should see Sanatana Dharma itself in the same light. If someone sees no meaning or value in what it has to offer, then they should pass on and keep looking for a religion that does. If they follow Sanatana Dharma without really seeing its value they will be thwarting their necessary freedom and growth. Any religion is a hindrance if it is not what the individual needs for his spiritual progress. There is no such thing as the religion or the philosophy for everybody.