Page:An Essay On Hinduism.pdf/92

"ignorance" with the speed of the bird (Vihangamamārga), but most are able to pass over the obstacle by the slow but steady course of the ant (Pipi-likā-mārga). The end (knowledge) is necessary of achievement, but what method may be adopted to attain that end is immaterial. As the methods to be adopted, to explain a certain problem, vary in accordance with the capability of the student, there is no single necessary procedure (sādhana) for the attainment of the highest knowledge and therefore of the eternal bliss. Man may go by any path which may suit his intelligence or temperament. Whatever path he goes by, he will reach the same place ultimately; that is, he will acquire the necessary knowledge and thus reach salvation. Every effort made towards obtaining eternal bliss is valuable whatever it may be. All forms of worship and discipline, whether it be vows, study, meditation, devotion, sacrifices, resolutions, austerities or self-torture, assist a man in his progress.

Hindu philosophy regarded all kinds of "instruments" (like worship, technically called sādhana) as permissible, but from this it should not be inferred that they held one instrument or path as good as another. The missionary spirit of the Hindus is displayed here. Unlike the followers of the "religions," the Hindus did not advertise any God or philosopher of their tribe. All that they cared to show to a person is a better and an easier path. A Hindu "teacher" (Guru) is primarily the "shower of the path" (Mārga-darshaka). Some teachers may know how to lead a student to knowledge by the path of devotion, while some teachers may be able to initiate intelligent students to the path of knowledge directly. But every teacher considers it his duty to lead his student if he can