posts on Vis'istAdvaita: Aside 1: Things to note, to avoid illogical questions and statements

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas,

 

This posting is motivated by a recent introductory post, in which the author

was seeking to equate mutually exclusive items.

Some important points to understand in order to avoid asking illogical

questions and making irrational statements. I mean no disrespect

to anyone; I am merely being candid, so the message is communicated

clearly.

 

There is nothing in this world (all that exists within the realm of mind and

the

senses) that is not based on belief; without belief we would have a purely

nihilistic society (i.e., a society that believes that nothing can be

communicated

via knowledge.) For example, take Mathematics, the ultimate science in the

mundane realm, it is based on axioms which are statements of facts taken

as truths without proof. (THERE IS SUCH THING AS PURE LOGIC even

logic is based on belief; one cannot establish the validity of an argument

as

valid without accepting the rules of logic as truths.) The preceeding point

is

pointed out beautifully by the lion of logic and poetry, Sri. Vedanta Desika

in his Tattva-muktA-kalApa!

 

Given this fundamental axiom, that is accepted by all, we need to discuss

the

distinction between terms such as mere faith and conviction, axiom and

dogma,

and theistic philosophy and pure theology. These are essential to

appreciate the

beauty of Vis’istAdvaita.

 

1. Mere faith versus Conviction:

 

A faith in a set of doctrines implies a general acceptance. (General

meaning an individual can lack confidence in certain aspects or segments

of different doctrines.)

 

A conviction on the other hand implies an unshakable faith, given which an

individual accepts the doctrines in their entirety with perfect confidence.

That is, there may be questions, which result due to the limitations

associated

with the individual, but no doubts (which imply a lack of confidence.)

 

1a) Conviction can be further subdivided as follows:

 

Axiomatic conviction - An individual is denoted as having an axiomatic

conviction in a particular set of doctrines if he or she has unshakable

faith in

the fundamental axioms on which the doctrines are based. The key thing to

note is that axioms must have a rational basis.

 

Dogmatic conviction- An individual is denoted as having a dogmatic

conviction

about a particular set of doctrines if he or she has unshakable faith in the

statements or opinions of an individual or group. The key thing to note is

that

there need not be any rational basis for these opinions upon which the

doctrines

are based.

 

2. Theistic Philosophy of Vedanta versus Pure Theology:

 

Theistic Philosophy of Vedanta-

 

A detailed exposition on the nature of reality using the three valid means

of acquiring

knowledge (PramAnas), in which God plays a key role as sustainer. The

exposition

is based on a set of axioms (remember these have a rational basis.) Further

the theistic

philosophy of vedanta is unbounded; one of its fundamental axioms is that

Individual souls

and matter and the process of creation,dissolution, and Karma are also

beginingless

and endless.

 

 

The rationale for the fundamental axiom is as follows:

 

1. To say that something can be created from nothing contridicts common

experience

2. Creation without purpose contradicts the definition of God (i.e.,

God must be an Omniscient being)

3. Further creation without a purpose also makes god the source of evil.

 

The exposition consists of the following:

1. a detailed listing and explanation of the nature and relationship between

all that exists (sentient and non sentient);

2. statement and detailed description of the ultimate goal

3. Statement of means to achieving the goal

 

Pure Theology- An exposition on the nature of reality that is based on dogma

of a

particular individual or group of people, focussing almost exclusively on

God.

Pure theology is bounded; one of its fundamental axioms is that individual

souls

and matter are created by God out of nothing and the process of creation and

dissolution is a one time phenomenon (i.e., not eternal.)

 

Note: Theistic Philosophy of Vedanta and pure Theology of western religions

are mutually exclusive (i.e., they are not the same.)

 

Adiyen,

krishNArpaNam

 

Note: Adiyen is very grateful to Sri. S.M.S. for acting as a catalyst in

manifesting this

subset of knowledge.