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The Evolution of My Understanding: A Journey Through Dharma and Truth

March 2025 (495 Words, 3 Minutes)

philosophy

For a long time, I tried to find the absolute truth—the final answer to existence, enlightenment, and the meaning of life. I explored different philosophies, from Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita to Buddha’s emphasis on detachment, and even the rational insights of science. But the more I questioned, the more I realized: there is no single path to truth. Instead, all paths offer unique lessons, and wisdom lies in understanding how they interconnect.

Breaking the Illusion of a Single Truth

Many people claim that their chosen path—be it bhakti (devotion), jnana (wisdom), dhyana (meditation), or karma (action)—is the only way to enlightenment. However, I now see this as a form of ego: the belief that one’s experience is the only valid one. No single method is superior for everyone. Each individual resonates with different approaches based on their personality, experiences, and goals in life.

Krishna speaks of bhakti as the highest path, yet Buddha teaches that liberation comes from self-realization and detachment. Both perspectives seem logical in their own ways. Rather than debating which is right, I now recognize that each path serves a different purpose.

The Purpose of Dharma: Ending Suffering, Not Defining a Fixed Reality

I now understand that all spiritual teachings—whether from Krishna, Buddha, or even science—ultimately aim for the same goal: reducing suffering and creating long-term fulfillment.

Jnana Yoga (Wisdom) – Encourages deep questioning and logical understanding.
Karma Yoga (Action) – Focuses on working without attachment and fulfilling responsibilities.
Bhakti Yoga (Devotion) – Brings passion and love into one’s actions, creating flow and purpose.
Dhyana Yoga (Meditation) – Helps achieve mental clarity, reducing unnecessary worries and distractions.

Instead of blindly following a doctrine, I now see these paths as tools rather than ultimate truths. They are ways to cultivate discipline, awareness, and self-mastery—not rigid dogmas.

Reincarnation: A Practical Perspective

One of the biggest debates I encountered was the idea of reincarnation. The Bhagavad Gita speaks of the soul taking different forms based on karma, while Buddha suggests that the nature of existence before birth and after death is unknowable. Initially, these seemed contradictory, but I now believe that the concept of reincarnation serves as a psychological tool—a way to inspire wise action by detaching from fear and desires. Whether it is literally true or not is secondary to its function in guiding human behavior toward responsibility and self-improvement.

The Nature of Divine Visions

Many claim to have seen Krishna, Rama, or Mahadev through devotion and meditation. But rather than taking these accounts as literal evidence, I now believe that divine visions are mind-created experiences, shaped by personal faith and emotions. If higher dimensions truly existed, science would have found objective ways to study them by now. The mind is incredibly powerful—it can create vivid experiences that feel real. But that doesn’t mean they are universal truths.

My Final Realization: Balance is the Key

Instead of seeking one final answer, I now embrace an evolving understanding of truth. The best way forward is not to cling to any single method but to adapt, learn, and refine my perspective continuously.

I will never claim that any path is the only path to enlightenment.
If someone insists on a single truth, I will acknowledge it as their personal experience, not a universal reality.
Rather than debating doctrines, I will focus on practical ways to reduce suffering and grow.

This realization has freed me from the burden of seeking absolute certainty. Instead of chasing a final truth, I now embrace the process of learning, questioning, and evolving.

Conclusion: Living with Open-Minded Wisdom

In the end, Krishna, Buddha, and science all point toward the same idea: act wisely, detach from unnecessary suffering, and cultivate inner peace. Whether through devotion, wisdom, action, or meditation, the goal is the same. Dharma is not about rigid rules—it is about finding what truly works for a fulfilling life.

Now, I no longer seek the ultimate answer. I simply walk the path, open to discovering new insights along the way.