How do I know the things I know?

[Darkstar]

The entirety of the conscious experience of our lives constitutes the preliminary empirical data. You may notice, for example, that you exist. Why? Everyone has to die. Why? No one wants suffering, but suffering comes. Why? I am a conscious entity forced to suffer a troublesome existence - this experience leads us to ask who we are and what we're meant for.

...and make up an answer if we can't find one.

Vedic knowledge offers both a theoretical explanation of reality, as well as a methodology for how to realize ourselves. I'm happy to elaborate on this, if interested. The simplest summary of the worldview offered by Vedic knowledge is given in the Bhagavad Gita.

Proof is when an aspirant achieves self-realization by these standard spiritual methodologies, which includes the reawakening of her eternal relationship with the supreme consciousness.

You must first demonstrate that either this being exists, or that your 'connection' is real.

Are not saints dead people?

I don't know if someone uses the word that way.

Well he's technically right. One can only be named a saint post-mortem.

A saint is a person with saintly qualities. Krishna says this in Bhagavad Gita:

"Fearlessness; purification of one's existence; cultivation of spiritual knowledge; charity; self-control; performance of sacrifice; study of the Vedas; austerity; simplicity; nonviolence; truthfulness; freedom from anger; renunciation; tranquillity; aversion to faultfinding; compassion for all living entities; freedom from covetousness; gentleness; modesty; steady determination; vigor; forgiveness; fortitude; cleanliness; and freedom from envy and from the passion for honor -- these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature." (BG 16.1-3)

I've met several genuine saints in my life.

I still don't understand what 'spiritual knowledge' is supposed to be, aside from, say, reading a holy book. Study of the Vedas is a seperate qualifier, though, so I'm assuming that isn't the case. How exactly can someone have 'freedom from anger'? Does this mean that they are literally incapable of becoming angry, or simply that they have good control over it? Also, does this mean that non-saints can neer detect god?