The Criterion Within

Those who opened the first learning institutes in the world did not go to school themselves. How could they? They taught students and granted them degrees, but did not have any degrees of their own. They set their own standards and perfected the art of teaching. Their wisdom was not endorsed by a college or a university, but it stood on its own. They did not have classrooms to go to, but they did seek knowledge. Before they became advisers, they sought advice from within.

There exists a natural built-in conscience in us before we learn it.

It is the same built-in conscience that prompted people to follow prophets, messengers, yogis, avatars, sadhus, sufis, and saints. It was this built-in conscience that pushed people to listen to Plato and Socrates. Their prior beliefs didn't matter. Before we had any religion, we had this conscience. It is this conscience that is shared by humans of all colors and ethnicities. It is their automatic mechanism that draws them close to the truth before they formally accept it.

Our conscience transcends all religions. It is the same force that pushes us to probe different ideologies and makes us question our traditions. It is the same force that seeks tranquility and peace, and keeps us restless. It is our guide to the truth.