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The relationship between Faith and doubt || Acharya Prashant, on Khalil Gibran (2017)
Acharya Prashant
1.2K views
8 years ago
Faith
Doubt
Truth
Suppression
Inquiry
Freedom
Shastrartha
Advaita
Description

Acharya Prashant explains that faith is often misunderstood as the suppression of doubt. In its common, false form, faith is merely doubt that has been buried in the subconscious to avoid the worldly consequences of non-belief, such as social ostracization or financial loss. This enforced faith leads to inner turmoil because the human nature is fundamentally inquisitive and seeks the naked truth. Such suppression results in outward violence and a desire to control others through rigid rules and institutions, as the believer fears that freedom will reveal the hollowness of their principles. This type of faith is a defensive mechanism used to protect a fragile, make-believe world from the persistent voice of internal doubt. In contrast, real faith is characterized by an inner security that actively invites doubt and questioning. Acharya Prashant asserts that a truly faithful person is not afraid of being tested or proven wrong because their ultimate goal is the truth, not the preservation of a concept. Real faith is dynamic and welcomes debate, as seen in the dialogues between Ashtavakra and Janak or Shri Ram and Vashistha. A person with genuine faith is enthusiastic about engaging with others and is even willing to admit defeat if it brings them closer to the truth. This openness and honesty are the hallmarks of true spiritual strength, whereas the refusal to engage in discussion is a sign of shallow understanding and fear.