To Tim

[Guest guest]

Dear Tim,

 

you wrote

" Let us end the current discussion. The senses are tempted by various

pleasures, which increase ignorance; In the same way, the mind is tempted by

argumentation. To continue too long with vainly airing disagreements, the

mind is distracted, and tamas begin to predominate. So let us stop now, and

let Sattva be the atmosphere here on this list."

 

I dont think our discussions can be called as argumentation. In the

tradition we say 'One learns one fourth from the Guru's class, one fourth by

self-study, one fourth by discussing with fellow students and one fourth by

arguing with opponents'. So our discussions can only be classified as

discussions between fellow students because we both agree on advaita being

the reality. So this discussion is only sattvic. But the funny thing is we

are disagreeing here also.

 

you wrote

 

"If you feel that what I am saying is causing people harm, it is your right

to believe that, and to say it anytime you want. However, it is not your

right or ability to prevent me from saying what I want to say. I hope you

can accept that."

 

 

I accept that.

 

you wrote

 

" On the same note, it is not my right to try to change your viewpoints,

unless you invited me to do this. So at this point, this discussion is

becoming a matter of the ego, and is unproductive and simply disruptive to

the atmosphere of the list."

 

Nobody can change anybody unless the other person wants to change. Even then

we can only help him to change himself. I see our discussion as a means for

clarifying certain important points regarding the nature of knowledge. I

dont think it is unproductive. I have no doubt that our discussions would've

helped the list rs. To me our discussion can never be a matter of

ego because what I am stating here is not my own opinion but the views of

the teachers who have been a glorious link in the unbroken Vedanta

Guru-Shisya parampara. I am just presenting the traditional views which I

think is correct and It is upto you and others to accept or reject.

 

You wrote

 

"You may continue to answer my posts, but I will not be responding, because

the temptation of the mind to increase its view of dualities is only

increased. Vivekananda speaks of the "interminable net of vain

argumentation," and this being a strong temptation of the mind. It can even

become an addiction. So I must stop now, and wish you only peace and love."

 

 

I respect your decision. But I think I will miss your forceful arguments. I

want to add that I have not taken anything you have written so far

personally.

 

Hari: OM,

 

with love and prayers,

 

Jaishankar.