Beyond Illusion and Doubt

Beyond Illusion And Doubt is a compilation of conversations between Srila Prabhupada and some of his disciples, comparing Vedic wisdom with Western philosophy.

Despite studying the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence for thousands of years, Western philosophers have not been able to explain the self, the cosmos, and our place in it as comprehensively as the Vedic writings of ancient India, which are known as apaurusheya, “not of human origin.”

“To err is human” applies equally to the layman and the philosopher. Most philosophers tend to arrive at a different set of answers to life’s fundamental questions. This constant overhauling of philosophies throughout Western history can make the study of philosophy frustrating, especially for anyone seeking practical answers to life’s important questions.

The underlying verdict is that while many philosophers became famous by being blessed with a partial revelation of the Absolute Truth, Krishna consciousness means knowing the Absolute Truth in full—as the Supreme Person. No amount of speculation can reveal such knowledge, and anyone who comes in contact with it becomes joyful and freed from anxiety.