Vedanta

There was an American play that was very popular a few years ago. It ran on Broadway for months, perhaps years. It was called “You Can't Take It With You.” The theme concerned an ageing man who had made a good deal of money and who lived only for making money. Then some shock occurs. He realizes for the first time in his life that he is mortal, that he will die, that he has devoted himself to a largely false effort, that he has wasted his time, that—and this gives the play its title—he can't take his wealth with him.

The subject we are going to discuss is self-control—should it be gradual or forcible? Firstly, self-control means control and mastery over the mind, senses and the body. A person who has control is a sage. One who has not is a slave. One who has control has peace, happiness, tranquillity and also self-knowledge. Thoughts, delusions and illusions harass one who lacks it.

Is there a God? Is there life after death? Do our lives have any meaning or purpose other than what we ourselves decide? Do we even have a free will? Is it possible to know the answers to any of these questions? How ought we to go about answering them, if at all? These are just a few of the questions explored by the philosophy of religion.

By Alice M. Hansbrough

By Alice M. Hansbrough