(No subject)

[Guest guest]

First Union Capital Markets Corp.

 

Dear 'C' :

 

Based on my limited knowledge, I would like to clarify a few points you have

raised.

 

<<<<<I'm dismayed the Hindu religion might not agree with itself on

fundamental issues like whether God (by any other name) is capable of

granting moksha. >>>>>>>>>>

 

First of all, do not confuse the terms "Hinduism" or "Hindu Religion" with

Sri Vaishnavam / Visistadvaita philosophy. Those are generically and to a

certain extent loosely coined terminology, ideally suited for people to

(mis) understand the cultural and religious practices followed in India

(and now around the world ), encompassing a myriad of beliefs. On a broader

scale each of the so-called six main philosophies that originated in India,

is as distinct as they are though they derive copiously from Vedas, and a

few common practices among them do not make them the same. Thus, it is

indeed a fundamentally wrong notion, if you expect them to agree.

 

Nonetheless, I wouldn't suggest you to think that Visistadvaitam is "one

among a thousand". Basically, it is the essence of what is prescribed in the

Vedas, though the term itself came to widespread usage recently, compared

to the hoariness of the Vedic civilization. As far as Visistadvaitam is

concerned, there is no doubt as to who is capable of granting the Moksha. It

is very unequivocal about all the fundamental issues that one can think of

and come up with. The confusion surfaces when one compares it with other

philosophies and tries to map it on an issue by issue basis. This is akin to

comparing the whole gamut of space with planets, for you cannot find the

great ideals of Sri Visistadvaitam anywhere else. Therein goes your dismay,

as regards the so called disagreement on fundamental issues.

 

<<<<<<<<<<<Didn't the Saivites, Sankara, etc. all read the same Vedas too?

How, I wonder, did all those brilliant pious souls miss something as

important as this? >>>>>>>>>>

 

Yes, many brilliant and pious personalities have read the Vedas, and many

continue to do so. Now what has it got to do when it is said only a few got

it right, such that their explanation makes sense ?

 

Is it not true that billions read Science, Mathematics and Economics, but

only a few understand and think as did Albert Einstein, Ramanuja and Keynes

? Now, in relation to the Theory of Relativity or Laws of Motion, if I ask

"How come he alone got it right when all others did not ?" , the answer, in

addition to the very facts and proofs, could well be "Because, he is the

best ! ". Then I have no choice but to accept it (or disprove).

 

<<<<<<<<<<If the Vedic tradition is so ambiguous it leads to such entirely

different conclusions (ie. Siva is or isn't equal to Visnu) then what kind

of infallible guide can it be to me? >>>>>>>>>>

 

On first contact, everything in this world is ambiguous. Tell me which is

not and I will show you how it is. Vedas are the fountainhead of knowledge.

No wonder they are difficult to understand and practice. That is precisely

why only a handful can explain the real truth, and the rest stop short. If

crossing the seas and conquering the space are any easier now, they are

because many people spent their lifetime, and strove to unravel the truth

and science behind it. But still we have to do our part to learn what was

put forth by them, if we want to get any closer. For a simple traveler all

that he/she needs to do is to buy a ticket, board, buckle-up and rest

assured(?!) that he or she will get to the destination. But, out of

curiosity if you want to know how the plane stays air-borne then you need to

learn the science behind drag, thrust, weight and lift. What this means is,

complexity should not make one question the validity. To an extent, the

greatest things in life are simple and elegant, if only we approach it that

way. That is certainly applicable to Vedas too.

 

Please note that I am not arrogantly trying to defend my faith or embarking

on a sales pitch, but merely stating what it takes to get there. I do

understand that your questions are nothing but a beginner's sincere queries.

Of course, I am no scholar, but just someone who was asking similar

questions, only a few years back.

 

As I understand it, Vedas encourage a sincere, devoted, honest person

willing to learn and practice 'the truths' in complete faith, as prescribed,

by asking (the right) questions. It is up to the seeker to pursue the

knowledge, and take up the challenge and comprehend the subtleties. It can

be all that it could be.

 

 

Best wishes,

Sriram Ranganathan