Knowledge only from shruti

[Guest guest]

Dear Stig-ji,

 

Two apologies to begin with:

 

1. I changed the subject heading since the topic has been under discussion

on and off for some time now, but with different headings.

2. I have still not got around to summarising the topic for one of the 'key

issues' at my website. Reasons: perennial lack of time, topic has still not

finished (!) and, most problematic of all, I am still trying to summarise

the Benjamin discussion on Streams of Consciousness (I may have to abandon

this as it is proving so difficult!).

 

Now to my question.

 

You quoted in a recent post:

 

"The final reality can be known only through the upanishadic texts, the sole

means for knowing it."

(Sureshvara, Brihad. Bh. Vartika 4.3.401.)

 

And, of course, you have been maintaining this stance with characteristic

lucidity in the face of all objections. However, I have just come across the

following quotation from an authority that I am reluctant to question,

namely Sri Atmananda, in the 'Notes of Spiritual Discourses' (972 in the

version downloadable from my website):

 

"It is only the ignorant man, who had not had the good fortune to be blessed

by a living Sage (a Guru), that usually takes to shAstra - somewhat

helplessly. Knowledge (Consciousness pure) is the parent of the shAstras. As

such, the shAstras can never be the father of knowledge, nor can they awaken

knowledge in the aspirant. One who is being guided by a kAraNa-guru will

never need the service of any shAstra. The ultimate purpose and utility of

all shAstras is only to convince the aspirant about the supreme need of a

kAraNa-guru and to help him to seek one."

 

And he then quotes from the kathopaniShad (1.3.14): uttishThata jagrata...

'Arise, awake; having reached the great (teachers) learn (realise the

Atman).

 

Can you comment on this please?

 

Best wishes,

 

Dennis