Authoritarianism merely assumes as true what another says, but what has yet to be proved. Lots of pundit will teach “Who am ‘I’”? but none have deeply analysed it scientifically, none can prove it. Rational proof is needed in pursuit of truth, so that one can arrive at knowing truth i.e. Wisdom; theirs is mere dogma, parrotism, repetition of what they read in scripture.
Scholastic or mystic argument leads nowhere. If one says “God is formless “another will reply, "No, God has a form! If one says "this scriptures has higher then all other scriptures” another will say, "No, that is lower and there are many scriptures higher then that." It is impossible to get anywhere with such talk because both sides are merely assuming and imagining.
Pursuit of truth does not begin with ultimate truth just by holding some scriptures declaration as truth, truth has to be proved, not assumed. People who take scriptures for granted are mere scholars who have mastered scriptures without verifying the validity and parroting their scriptural knowledge not the truth. People think scriptural mastery is wisdom but it is mere play of words. The scriptural knowledge is not the means to nondual wisdom. Buddha rejected scriptures and got enlightenment.
Raman Mahrshi said:-
Q: D: Is it not necessary to study the Vedas or at least Prastnatraya[Bagvad gita.Dasoponishad and Brahma Sutra all with commentaries] to ensure firm reazation?
A: Bhagvan: - No. Do you need all that to see yourself? All that is intellectual wealth, useful in explain doubts and difficulties if others rise them if you yourself encounter them in course of thinking. But to attain realization, all that is not necessary. You want fresh water to drink, but you do not require all the water of the river Ganges to quench your quest. [in page 111/112- practical guide to know your self]
Upanishads:-
They alone in this world are endowed with the highest wisdom who are firm in their conviction of the sameness and birthlessness of Ataman. The ordinary man does not understand their way. [Chapter IV — Alatasanti Prakarana 95-P-188 in Upanishads by Nikilanada]
One may believe in a position, but he is required to prove the truth of his belief. A belief is assuming or imagining to be true, but the truth is wisdom.
The time one spends in rituals and glorifying gods and gurus is wasted; instead spend that same time moving forward towards Self-knowledge, which is true goal. In religion and yoga are not the means to Self-knowledge they lead deeper ignorance hallucination.
Inquiry, analysis and reasoning will help the seeker towards Self-knowledge, because they will lead to perfect understanding of the truth. When this happens the sense of "I' and "mine' will subside. This is the way to freedom from experiencing the duality as reality, gradual, or progressive, liberation.
