Antonius vindicatus, or, Pig Poetry revisited

[Guest guest]

Remember the discussion here about a month ago when Tony referred to what he

called pig poetry, quoting from a book titled "How to know God", by

Prabhavananda and Isherwood? In the course of this discussion, Tony was

(what else is new?) vehemently criticized, as well as accused of

misconstruing Patanjali's statements to serve his own ends; some also

doubted the existence of a book of that title by P&I.

 

Once in a great while I go down into my basement where I store those books

for which I don't have room in my library. As I went down there today I

reached for a book in a blue hardcover binding and guess what? It was "How

to Know God", a translation and commentary on the Yoga Aphorisms of

Patanjali, by Prabhavananda and Isherwood. It's here in front of me as I am

typing this, published by Vedanta Press in 1974, seventh printing, and I can

assure everyone that it does exist - at least insofar as existence has any

meaning in this ephemeral world and on this list.

 

It may be of interest to know the original aphorism of Patanjali that the

commentary Tony had quoted referred to. Here goes.

 

"The object of experience is composed of the three gunas - the principles of

illumination (sattwa), activity (rajas), and inertia (tamas). From these,

the whole universe has evolved, together with the instruments of knowledge -

such as the mind, senses, etc. - and the objects perceived - such as the

physical elements. The universe exists in order that the experiencer may

experience it, and thus become liberated." (Patanjali II,18)

 

Commentary by P&I: The last sentence of this aphorism is one of the most

important in the entire book. It is Patanjali's answer to the pig-people; to

those who want to stay wallowing in their mire. When told that all

sense-experience is, in the last analysis, painful, the pig-people become

scornful and angry. They find such a philosophy cowardly and lacking in

spirit. One should not be afraid of pleasure, they exclaim; one should seize

the flying moment and enjoy it, whatever the consequences. They quote

approvingly from their poets (for many of the finest poets write pig-poetry)

saying that "one crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a

name," and Patanjali is a timid old kill-joy grandmother. To this

accusation, Patanjali replies: "It is you who are really afraid. It is you

who shrink from experience. You talk so much about your pleasures, yet you

know nothing about Pleasure." etc.etc. [End of quote]

 

The pig illustration, by the way, that these authors used, is introduced in

the book a few pages earlier, and is quoted from a lecture by the

illustrious Swami Vivekananda.

 

So may it be known here as a matter of public record that Tony's book

exists, and that he did quote from it correctly.

 

Michael Suesserott

[Guest guest]

Dear Mike,

Thanks for your information, supporting the truth is always welcome!

Pig poetry has become part of the folklore of this list, we have all

become fond of the term by now. I knew the book existed, because I

did a search for it back then, but I couldn't have verified the

reference without a copy. Tony has an incredible memory, eh? Used

ones are not that easy to find. Your used hardback in good condition

is worth around $50.

Thanks,

Gloria

- MikeSuesserott (AT) t-online (DOT) de

Friday, June 22, 2001 3:57 PM

Antonius vindicatus, or, Pig Poetry revisited

Remember the discussion here about a month ago when Tony referred to

what hecalled pig poetry, quoting from a book titled "How to know

God", byPrabhavananda and Isherwood? In the course of this

discussion, Tony was(what else is new?) vehemently criticized, as

well as accused ofmisconstruing Patanjali's statements to serve his

own ends; some alsodoubted the existence of a book of that title by

P&I.snip