To deal with a mathematical problem or a problem related to science and technology, certain authority stemming from particular knowledge or a formula may be necessary. However, when there is a psychological problem, then the use of knowledge to free ourselves from the problem only complicates the problem. Also, authority of formulae, ideals and concepts to deal with our day-to-day problems (this has been discussed in some of the other chapters) makes our thinking and action limited.

But the use of knowledge may still be necessary at times. There are people who give preference to their intellect alone and there are people who are proud of their emotional and sentimental nature, although their emotions may be destructive and have nothing to do with love. Without sensitivity, there cannot be love. So, it is important to explore the factors that make us insensitive and explore the state of intelligence in which there is harmony between intellect and emotions.

When we go to school for the first time, we start learning the alphabet and numbers. We learn from various books on different subjects. The books teach us various things through a particular method, which thus becomes an authority. Although there may be several books for a particular subject, with their own unique methods, our teachers advise us on what books to follow because they are in a better position to tell us which books are useful. So, the teacher, the book or the method becomes our authority. Similarly, it might be necessary to learn a certain skill so that we can find a job to live or for any other purpose. Here, the authority of knowledge is perhaps necessary. Also, there is the authority of the laws of the country in which we live. We have to obey the laws for harmony. If we feel a certain law is draconian, then we may request for the law to be amended through various procedures available within the country.

However, beliefs, ideologies, concepts and ideals to deal with the day-to-day challenges of life make our thinking very limited. Intellectual capacity of reasoning has its place in our lives, but when our thinking is bound by some idea, formula or concept, then the intellect cannot function sanely. The self, me or ego, which includes all our concepts, ideologies, beliefs and traditions, is psychological knowledge. This knowledge prevents the intellect from functioning sanely. Also, if we give preference to the intellect alone, then we are still acting from a formula, which gives preference to the intellect and ignores the emotions. And then there are some people who merely listen to their emotions. They too are acting from a formula that gives importance to emotions alone. Also, there is a possibility that their minds could be drugged so that they cannot think or reason much. So, they do what they feel like doing, without delving deeply into anything. Moreover, when the thinking is limited by formulae and concepts and the emotion is also limited due to partial observation, then it has very little value, even if we give importance to both the intellect and the emotion.

Freedom to Think and Act

There is a difference between using a certain knowledge to deal with a particular situation and acting from the authority of some knowledge. A person who thinks, acts and lives according to formulae or concepts is generally not free to think and act. The sphere of his thinking, as well as his action, is limited by his accumulated knowledge. He is free only when there is a serious crisis in his life, because when one faces tremendous danger or crisis, then one forgets all the formulae and concepts and thinks freely. Now, a person who is not restricted by various formulae or concepts may use a certain knowledge and think in a particular direction. But his mind is not held or bound by some formula that forces him to think only in one direction because he is free to think in any direction. If one has an ideal of war, peace or non-violence, then his thinking and action is bound by his ideal. However, a person who has no ideal may think and act in a certain way when he faces a challenge. But he is free to think and act from the whole.

Psychological Issues and Goal

Psychologically there should be no ‘becoming,’ which means living in the now. The very process of ‘becoming something’ psychologically, such as trying to achieve a state of peace and happiness, is merely the continuation (in a modified form) of the state from which there is an escape. In the chapter on non-duality (and some other chapters), I have explained that the use of knowledge to overcome attachment, fear and greed is merely the continuation of the problem in a modified form.

The goal and method are interconnected. There cannot be one without the other. When there is a goal of ‘what should be,’ then we also need some method or knowledge to achieve the goal. Also, when we are following a particular method, it implies that there is a goal. Without a goal, why would we waste our energy by following any method, knowledge or formula? When we use a method, there is a hope that it will bring happiness or that it is good for us. So, we are living in the future. To live in the now means to stay with ‘what is.’ The only way to free ourselves from a psychological issue is to stay with it and understand it. It is this understanding that gives freedom from the problem.

Therapists tell us not to fight psychological pain but accept it in order to free ourselves from the problem. However, it doesn’t matter whether we accept, deny or suppress a problem. Whatever we do, we are still using a particular method or knowledge, in the hope that accepting the problem will reduce the pain or bring happiness/peace. So, there is particular knowledge in the brain and also a goal in view. There is continuation of a psychological problem as long as the mind uses various ways to escape from the problem. By accepting the psychological pain, we are merely playing another trick on the mind, because we are still using a method to overcome the problem. Only when we understand a psychological problem, is there freedom from it. In order to understand a psychological problem, there must be intelligence. This intelligence uses knowledge. But this use of knowledge is not directed towards achieving a particular end, and there is no effort involved.

Living in the Now

When there is a physical problem or physical need, then the past, present and future are important. In this case, living in the now is important in the sense that decisions and actions are spontaneous. Living in the now does not mean that only the present is important and not the past or the future. It would be silly to live thoughtlessly in the present while ignoring the past and the future. But this has become all the rage these days. The past and future are also important. There is no problem as long as neither the past nor the future is the cause or the guiding force for the action. If our action is based on various concepts, ideologies and ideals, then the past is the guiding force or the cause. If the action is based on a future goal, then the future is the guiding force or the cause for the action. However, when there are no concepts, ideologies and traditions, then there is action in the present. Although one may use the knowledge of the past and have a long vision for the future, the past or the future do not become the causes in which the present is sacrificed.

If we give preference merely to the present, then we are still following a philosophy that is always of the past even though we may give preference to the present. Also, there is a hope that this way of living will bring happiness. So, we are still living in the past and future. But to live in the now is to be free from all philosophies and ideologies. For instance, if a tiger is a hundred metres away, then we would perhaps not say that the danger is a hundred metres away or in the future and that we should live in the present and enjoy the present. When the danger is immense, then we do forget all formulae. But we generally live according to various formulae until there is a real danger that wakes us up. The past, present and future are important, but if we give importance to one of them, then we are living in the past and future and not in the present. There may be a challenge or danger partly in the present and partly in the future, and if we give importance only to the present, then our response is limited.

There may also be lack of awareness of the future due to various reasons. For instance, the mind may have become dull due to improper diet, drugs or some other reason, and it does not sense the importance of the future or the danger in the future.

Freedom from Authority

Now, we may free ourselves from the philosophies and ideals of others but formulate another formula of our own and live according to that formula. This is not freedom. Just because we are living according to our own formula, we cannot assume that we are free. Actually, we are still tied to the formula. A person who always chooses to do everything that he wants to do is not free to act in any other manner when the situation and circumstances compel him to be careful and cautious. Although physical freedom has its place, if we decide to do everything that we want to do, then we are not free psychologically, because we are tied to a formula. However, this does not mean that we should not do what we want to do. We do need some freedom to a certain extent for us to live happily, but the moment we formulate a philosophy and live according to it, then it is no longer freedom.

It is necessary to free ourselves from various formulae, concepts and philosophies. But when we listen to someone or read a book, then we generally accept or reject it depending on what suits us and gives us comfort. However, acceptance or non-acceptance on our part can only prevent understanding. The understanding of ourselves cannot be given to us by another person. This understanding comes through questioning and doubting and not merely through accepting or rejecting. If the readers follow whatever is written in this book as a philosophy, concept or an idea, then there cannot be any understanding. And without understanding, there is no freedom. So, I am not asking you to follow what is written here but only suggesting that you look at these things attentively so that there is understanding. Moreover, I may be mistaken or my understanding of a particular problem may not be complete. So, it is for the readers to test whether what is written here is true or false.

If I suggest that we should not follow another person, then the readers must not accept this suggestion without understanding it, as it may be of no use to them. Some other writer may persuade the readers to follow something else. It is for the readers to understand the question of authority. If we look at this thing called ‘authority’ and understand how destructive it is to live according to ideals, formulae and theories, then we are free from the whole problem of authority. The ideals, theories, ideologies and concepts that we have accumulated through our own personal experiences or through the influence of others prevent us from looking at a particular challenge fully, whether it is physical or psychological. The cause of our psychological problems is the self, me or ego, which includes all our concepts, ideals and beliefs. This self also prevents us from dealing with the physical challenges efficiently.

A lot of times we do get impressed by various people, their style, energy and enthusiasm, and we follow whatever concepts and ideologies they offer. The fact that we are impressed by certain qualities is exploited by clever and cunning people, who try to convince us through propaganda, trickery, sentiments and emotions. They try to persuade us without establishing the facts. And once we acquire the values and philosophies offered by them, then we struggle for the rest of our lives.

Emotions and Sentiments

So, we have explored what prevents the intellect from functioning sanely. Now, if we may explore how we are often caught with wrongful and unnecessary emotions and what prevents us from being sensitive, then there is a possibility of achieving a state of intelligence in which there is harmony between the intellect and emotions. At times, there is a possibility that what we may feel like doing may differ from what our mind wants us to do, but if there is harmony between the two, then it does not become a problem. So, let us explore emotionalism and sentimentality.

There is the feeling of love and there is the feeling that the self, me or ego arouses. A person who has a certain belief feels tremendously for his belief because he is attached to the belief. The belief gives him security. He may get very aggressive and violent when his belief is attacked. The religious people, nationalists and idealists are full of emotions because they are attached to something. This attachment may give them a sense of passion, but such an emotion has very little meaning. The people who are caught in such a state of emotion are often full of hatred for others and are ready to kill or die for their beliefs or anything to which they are attached. So, they feel strongly for their accumulated knowledge but not for human life itself. This means the self or ego makes us insensitive towards others. Therefore, unless there is freedom from the self, which means freedom from ideas, beliefs, concepts and ideologies, our emotions and feelings have very little value.

The State of Intelligence

Now, when there is freedom from the self, me or ego, there is love. This love has its own intelligence, in which there is harmony between the intellect and emotions or the mind and heart. In such a scenario, the mind and heart listen to each other. This harmony comes naturally when the self is absent. It is not the outcome of practising a certain method. But if we practise a particular method to bring about harmony between the intellect and emotions, then following this method is still the continuation of the self. This prevents the intellect and emotions from functioning sanely. When the intelligence is active, then there is the capacity to feel as well reason. This intelligence will tell us what to do in a given situation. But most of us give importance to the intellect by ignoring our deeper feelings, and we call this intelligence.

There cannot be the quality of intelligence without awareness in which there is pure observation without any distortion. Awareness implies that there is sensitivity towards beauty, poverty, our reactions and influences. Without sensitivity, there cannot be love, and without love, knowledge can be used for destructive purposes. There is tremendous knowledge in this world to solve various human problems of poverty and illnesses. But there is lack of sensitivity and awareness. Most people are merely concerned about becoming successful and great, even if it means crushing others. Only when there is an awakening of the sensitivity of human beings towards each other and towards animals and other living things, is there hope for a new world. Without love, acting merely from the intellect is not intelligence. This cannot solve our problems.

When there is freedom from the authority of various concepts, ideals and philosophies, then there is intelligence. This intelligence uses knowledge wherever it is necessary. So, the mind lets the memories float by without being occupied with them unnecessarily. It uses the memories whenever it is necessary. When we are aware that knowledge about any particular thing can never be complete then, if the intelligence is active, there may be a slight hesitation, especially when the situation and circumstances are new.

This does not always happen, but when we are dealing with a new situation, then there may be a need for some inquiry before acting. For instance, when a doctor is looking at unknown symptoms in a sick person, then he may need to pause, consult other experts and think from various angles rather than carelessly acting with certainty. Unless we hesitate in a tricky situation, there cannot be an enquiry. Though we may use the knowledge of others when needed, intelligence demands a little doubt, questioning or certain kind of scepticism, without believing in our doubts or becoming cynical. Suppose, one doubts if a particular statement is true. By believing in doubt, I mean that one not only doubts that the statement is true but also believes in the accuracy of his doubt and therefore believes that the statement is false. But if we follow another person, then there is no observation and there is no intelligence.

A person who does not look at his problems but cultivates ideals or makes an effort to become intelligent remains stupid. This is because the very fact of ignoring ‘whatever he is’ prevents the understanding of himself and makes him an ignorant person.

Lifestyle, Self and Sensitivity

There are several factors that make us dull and insensitive. To have a sensitive mind and body, the body must be fit and healthy. This implies having a healthy lifestyle, which includes the right kind of food, proper sleep, right exercises, right kind of clothes and so on. If a person eats too much or too little or eats unhealthy food, then it results in a dull mind and body. The body and mind cannot be sensitive if we are smoking, taking drugs or drinking alcohol frequently. We may be sensitive towards various things that are important in our life and may think that we are sensitive, but to have total sensitivity we must have a healthy body and a healthy mind.

Consuming drugs may bring clear observation in a certain direction temporarily. But the moment its effects are over, we are back to our problems. The fact that drugs make us forget about our problems shows that there is a loss of sensitivity towards something. So, we are neither sensitive towards our problems nor the problems of others. People who take drugs can even lose their capacity to reason. Thus, they become duller and more insensitive than before. People who take muscle-building steroids may become big with powerful muscles, but strong muscles do not necessarily mean a healthy and sensitive body. Moreover, if we cannot enjoy the beauty of nature, birds and the things around us, then of what use are big muscles? But there is more emphasis given these days in becoming bigger and not healthier, through heavy weight training exercises and taking various steroids or powders, which may make the body rougher and more insensitive.

When the body becomes dull, coarse and insensitive to the beauty around, then stimulants such as alcohol and drugs become very important. Such a person looks for various ways to entertain himself. He may choose a dangerous sport like hunting. The danger drives the self away. During such times, he is free from psychological problems. So, this activity becomes very important in his life. But he misses out on the joy of looking at nature and admiring the animals, which are unfortunately being hunted. If he is sensitive to nature and wildlife, then he would not choose an activity like hunting. Such a person has no love. But the same person goes and tells his partner that he loves her. This has no meaning.

When the mind is prejudiced and is tied to beliefs, concepts and opinions, then such a mind can neither be sensitive to the beauty of nature and nor be sensitive to its problems. Such a mind is observing everything from accumulated knowledge. This prevents total observation. Without total observation, there can only be limited sensitivity. So, to have total sensitivity towards the beauty around us and our problems, it is necessary to have a healthy body and a mind. The body must be healthy and the mind must be free from unnecessary opinions, beliefs and prejudices.

Our lifestyle affects the centre or the self and the centre affects our lifestyle. A mind burdened by the self may not be able to choose right food, right exercises, and so on because when the self is active, then there is ego. This ego makes one choose exercises and food that can give recognition and popularity. There is unnecessary competition with others over what we eat and drink and how much we eat, drink and digest. Or there is competition regarding who can work out longer or who has bigger muscles. So, unless there is freedom from the self, it may not be easy to choose the right food and the right exercises. Also, when we are living an unhealthy lifestyle, then the body becomes insensitive to the beauty around us. This makes us run after power and fame, which build the self. So, there is a connection between the psyche and lifestyle and they affect each other.

There must be freedom from the self and there must be a healthy lifestyle as well. But perhaps one must start from the centre and try to free oneself from various ideologies and ideals. When the mind is free, then we will demand right food and exercises. This may bring about deep sensitivity in us. When the body is healthy and the mind is also free from the self, then there is real sensitivity and love, and then we may not want to dominate others. When there is love, then there is affection, cooperation and partnership. There is no desire for power to dominate or rule others.