On the Problem of Belief

Why do you believe anything that you read? It does not matter whether it is in the Bible or in the Gita or in the sacred books of other religions. 

Do look at it: why do you believe? Do you believe in the sunrise tomorrow? You believe in a sense: you think it will arise. But you believe in heaven, you believe in a Father, you believe in something—why?

Because you are afraid, you are unhappy, lonely, because of fear of death, you believe in something that you think is permanent.

How can a mind that is burdened with beliefs see clearly? How can it be free to observe? How can such a mind love? Just look at the world, and you´ll have your answer.

It is not that I´m saying that you should not believe in anything, or that belief must be eliminated. Belief is a valuable frame of reference. That´s where you must begin. Because that´s what you are. Trying to eliminate it is an escape from the facts.

But when facing the facts, you can attain another attitude. You can begin an inquiry into belief, and that´s where you´ll discover your fear.

In understanding the whole problem of fear, one has no belief whatsoever. The mind then functions happily, without distortion, and therefore there is great joy, ecstasy.