14 Sep 2020
[Ms. Laxmi Thrylokya asked: Swami, a person said to me that experience gained from life is more real and better than the knowledge gained from reading spiritual books. If the person is very happy with his life of pravṛtti i.e. earning in a justified way, maintaining the family and doing what he likes in his free time, should we share Your Divine Knowledge with him or wait until he comes forward and asks questions? At Your service, Thrylokya.]
Swami replied: The knowledge preached by preachers through books is indeed the knowledge attained through their long experience in their lives. It is not necessary to test it practically in your life. If it is told that fire burns, it is not necessary to test it by putting your finger in the fire. The practical proof of the statement can also be gained by seeing other people put their fingers in fire and getting their fingers burnt. Knowledge need not always be gained by self-experience alone. Knowledge also becomes valid on the basis of the experience of others. There is no harm in believing them, if they are your well-wishers. Such authority is called testimony or śabda pramāṇam.
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