Chapter (অধ্যায়): SELECTIONS FROM THE MATH DIARY PAGE-315Page: 315 of 537
Q.-How is harmonious development of character to be best effected?
A.-By association with persons whose character has been so developed.
Q.-What should be our attitude to the Vedas?
A.-The Vedas, i.e. only those portions of them which agree with reason, are to be accepted as authority. Other Shastras, such as the Puranas etc., are only to be accepted so far as they do not go against the Vedas. All the religious thoughts that have come subsequent to the Vedas, in the world, in whatever part of it, have been derived from the Vedas.
Q.-Is the division of time into four Yugas astronomical or arbitrary calculation?
A.-There is no mention of such divisions in the Vedas. They are arbitrary assumptions of Pauranika times.
Q.-Is the relation between concepts and words necessary and immutable, or accidental and conventional?
A.-The point is exceedingly debatable. It seems that there is a necessary relation, but not absolutely so, as appears from the diversity of language. There may be some subtle relation which we are not yet able to detect.
Q.-What should be the principle to be followed in working within India?
A.-First of all, men should be taught to be practical and physically strong. A dozen of such lions will conquer the world, and not millions of sheep can do so. Secondly, men should not be taught to imitate a personal ideal, however great.
Then Swamiji went on to speak of the corruptions of some of the Hindu symbols. He distinguished between the path of knowledge and the path of devotion. The former belonged properly to the Aryas, and therefore was so strict in the selection of Adhikaris (qualified