Post 1: Mutually Exclusive things cannot be equated (Attention Harikrishna!)

[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.