Re; Param Padam = State of Being

[Guest guest]

Dear Venkat pranam

 

I have already given the pramanam - it is in Katha Upanishad:

 

10-11. When the five sensestogether with the mind cease (from their

externalised activities) and the intellect itself remains tranquil, that,

they say, is the highest state (Paramam Padam).

 

This verse does not describe a geographical place but a state of BEING.

 

Also please refer to Narayana Upanishad where Narayana is described as being

space, directions, up down sideways and all things. This again is not the

description of a Person or a concrete form. It is describing something which

transcends all names and forms.

 

According to the process of Vedanta we do not simply accept whatever the

acharyas teach without applying our own reason. Sravana - hearing, manana -

applying reason, and nididhyasana - assimilating into practice is the

process. The parama-acharyas with all due respect lived 1000 years ago. Our

present world is vastly different to theirs, our understanding and

interpretation of their teaching withich was according to THEIR time and

place and circumstance, must also be adjusted to our contemporary reality.

 

Krishna has taught Arjuna everything and then said - "etat sarvam vimsrya

yathechasi tatha kuru" - reflect on everything that I have taught you and

then do as you please in accordance therewith.

 

He also declares "buddhau saranam anviccha" - seek refuge in intelligence.

 

Ramanuja himself never accepted passively anything he was taught. Tarka and

Nyaya have been essential parts of Vedantic methodology since ancient

times.

 

It is okay to apply reason and not to accept blindly - it is also okay to

disagree with elders and acharyas - just check out the kalai literature for

examples of feisty dispuite and disagreement.

 

Adiyen

 

Long live freedom of thought "Vedanta ki jai"