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Hindu Teachings On Doubt

Doubt is the intellectual striving for the truth. It is the first step on the path to wisdom. Prashnopashith, the question-and-answer method of oral instruction, is the best means of seeking and imparting knowledge.

Hindu scriptures are full of questions and answers. Upanishads is filled with doubts raised by students and the answers given by teachers. If a Guru is unable to satisfy the doubt of a student, the Guru starts walking in search of answer. The Guru then becomes a disciple and searches for answer. The Guru only returns when he has the right answer to clear the doubt of his student.

Bhagavad Gita contains many doubts of Arjuna and all of them are satisfactorily answered by Sri Krishna.

Yama, the god of death, clears the doubts of young Nachiketa in the Kathopanishad.

Doubts and questioning an established conviction is always welcomed by Hindu Gurus. The doubts raised by serious students bring out the best in a Guru. There is no final answer. Guru gives his views on the doubt and it is for the student to clarify it with his or her experience and intuition. Guru provides the ideal platform for the student to further pursue his doubt.

True Gurus also easily recognize modern day doubters who have ulterior motive.