Perception in VP

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Note 1:

Namaste All,

In Vedanta the central metaphors are used like models to hold in a single

image the correct relationship between the elements of the metaphysical

theory. It may therefore be useful to examine the one that is on V.P.

(pg.15of the trans. by Swami Madhvananda pub.Advaita Ashrama.)

 

" Now as the water of a tank, issuing through a hole, enters in the form of

a channel a number of fields, and just like them assumes a rectangular or

any other shape, so also the luminous mind, issuing through the eye etc.,

goes to the space occupied by objects such as a jar, and is modified into

the form of a jar any other object. That very modification is called a

state (vritti). "

 

According to the note of Sw.M. the luminous mind is so called because it

is transparent, light and mobile. He also emphasizes that it is external

objects that are in question here and not just mental states like

happiness etc.

 

What the author of VP Dharmaraja Adhvarindra is doing is setting out the

main features of Advaita Vedanta. He is well aware that there many 'what

abouts' and so forth that may be posed. He will show in good time how

those problems are artifacts of fundamental error and how the general

schema of Vedanta takes account of what would otherwise be paradoxical and

imponderable. What is taken as a basic assumption is that the perception

is a true one (in proper conditions) until shown otherwise.

 

When those perceptions are shown to be faulty in some way VP's thesis is

that these errors are special examples of the general rule and do not

disprove it.

 

Best Wishes,

Michael.