Brahman - Revelation, Confusion and Conclusion!

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Namaste Satsanghis:

 

Refer to my post (reference message # 29782). Since I have introduced

this thread title, I have the privilege to conclude the thread. We

had an interesting sequence of discussions with a large number of

participants providing their framework of understanding along with

their disagreements with others' contentions. Being a member of this

list from its beginning, I have witnessed quite a few similar

discussions and most of them ended with some revelations, confusions

and conclusions. Please don't ask me, what they are - anything I say

or write will be subject to more discussions for which I am not

prepared!

 

All metaphysical assertions focusing on the ultimate reality

requires 'shraddha - faith with strong conviction' and 'dhrti -

strong will power to uphold that faith.' The statement of St.

Augustine falls appropriately in understanding the logic of this

contention - "Faith is to believe what we don't see, and its reward

is to see what we believe!" Essentially, every metaphysical theory

or framework requires certain assumptions that mostly come

from 'faith.' Those who believe in those assumptions can use their

intellect to develop a convincing logic of understanding of

metaphysical assertions. They will be able to convince all those who

believe in the underlined assumptions of the metaphysical theory and

associated assertions. Those who do not believe those assumptions

will not 'buy' the logic or intellectual underpinning of the theory

and reasoning. It is fair to conclude that all believers of certain

theory along with associated assumptions will agree without any

confusion or hesitation. Also believers of certain theory may also

nonbelievers of contentious theories and consequently will likely

disagree. If the faith is somewhat distorted, then their

understanding also get distorted and consequently confusion emerges

sooner or later.

 

It is my observation that lately that the intellectual discussions in

this list implicitly or explicitly tend to forget the role of

shraddha in understanding the metaphysical assertions of sages and

saints of the Upanishads. I believe that we should focus on

understanding the various works of Sankara Bhagavadpada , Bhagavad

Gita and the Upanishads. I want to make an appeal to the learned

members of this list to share their understanding of the scriptural

texts that are not easily accessible to the members.

 

Warmest regards,

 

Ram Chandran