ABSTRACT
The relation between the one and the many is a perplexing problem in philosophy. Philosophers are sharply divided. Some assert the reality of the many; some of the one. Some are anxious for an indivisible unity of the two. When the problem is approached through logic, such divergence of opinion is inevitable. Logic can at best give a rationale of relations and intellect is inherently incapable of transacting them. Whatever interpretation may be put upon the facts and their relations, it is almost impossible for intellect to deny them or to see facts as they are. Intellect, therefore, becomes involved in antinomies when it conceives the ultimate reality. Intellect is the best organ in man to understand the world of phenomena, but it is a doubtful counsellor in the spiritual life. Intellect stands quite dazzled by the elasticity and freedom of the spirit. Sometimes it appears as many, sometimes as one; sometimes as near, sometimes as distant; sometimes as great, sometimes as small. Intellect stands confused, it remains stupefied. It cannot square the inevitable contradictions that seem to be deep in the life of spirit. And naturally so. Spirit is too subtle an existence to be measured by the set categories of logic. The personality and the impersonality of spirit are problems that are raised by intellect, but do not belong to the nature of spirit. Spirit transcends both the descriptions; for are not these after all the attempt to define spirit, and is not definition a limitation?
