Jump to content
IndiaDivine.org

Concepts and Objects

Rate this topic


Guest guest

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Hakim wrote:

Hi Michael and all,

 

Talking of an object suppose there is a subject who perceive/conceive this

object. They are inseparable. You can't consider one of them without

bringing,

in some way or another, the second.

The problem arises, imo, when we try to think of the subject as an object,

which

is a pure nonsense, of course. So, your question:

 

> What of the

> concept of the Self?

 

isn't it a contradiction in terms. If the Self is the " knower " , it must be

" unknown " , and beyond any " concept " . Otherwise, it is not the real

subject...

 

 

Just my two cents.

Hakim

 

 

advaitin , ombhurbhuva <ombhurbhuva wrote:

>

> Namaste Sitara-ji,

> A further note

> What do you have if you have a concept e.g. The concept of white? You

> have the capacity to use the word in a way that is correct. You will

> recognise white in milk, chalk, cheese etc. There are other general

> concepts which might have a layered aspect to them. A standard concept

> of

> space and a physicist's concept might differ but there is enough

> commonality for communication. The concept of an object is understood by

> everybody but different systems of metaphysics as they uncover they

> layers

> of it may come up with different ideas. In effect though they have the

> same concept i.e.the concept of an object, their judgments of what an

> object is beneath that surface commonality differ.

>

> What is implicit in our concepts can be uncovered by inquiry. In the

> concept of a surface, is it implicit that it have a colour? What of the

> concept of the Self? We have one certainly but can it be made explicit?

> Some sages will give a definite definition, others will say that it is no

> good parroting a catechism, you must examine your own concept and see

> whether it is adequate. Clearly having the same concept is not having an

Ø object.

 

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

 

Namaste Hakim-ji,

The answer to your question, forgive the delay, is conveniently given by

Sankara in the preamble to the B.S.B.

" The answer of the Vedantin is: The Self is not absolutely beyond

comprehension because it is apprehended by the content of the concept " I " ;

and because the Self, opposed to the non-Self, is well known in the world

as an immediately perceived (i.e. self-revealing) entity. "

 

The method of Self Inquiry (Atma Vichara) in the manner of Ramana Maharshi

proceeds by a continuous examination of the various interim concepts of

the self until we sink into its reality or something of the kind.

 

Best Wishes,

Michael

 

--

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

--- On Fri, 5/22/09, ombhurbhuva <ombhurbhuva wrote:

 

> Hakim wrote:

> Hi Michael and all,

....

 

>

> isn't it a contradiction in terms. If the Self is the

> " knower " , it must be

> " unknown " , and beyond any " concept " . Otherwise, it is not

> the real 

> subject...

 

 

>> Namaste Hakim-ji,

 

> The method of Self Inquiry (Atma Vichara) in the manner of

> Ramana Maharshi 

> proceeds by a continuous examination of the various interim

> concepts of 

> the self until we sink into its reality or something of the

> kind.

-------------------

Michael, Hakim, and all

PraNams

 

If I may interject, Bhagavaan Ramana goes directly into it, essentially echoing

Shankara's and Scriptural statements too.

 

dhiye prakaasham paramo vitiirya

svayam dhiyo2ntaH pravibhaati guptaH|

dhiyam paraavartya dhiyo 2ntare2tra

samyojanaat na Iswara dRiShTiranyaa|| 24

 

dhiya - in the mind (intellect) paramaH - the supreme, prakaasham vitiirya - the

consciousness is essentially spread out or distributed into the form of the

knowledge of various objects or objectifiable concepts. Hence the truth is

neither an object nor a concept but that which illumines all the objects and

concepts because of which the intellect has the knowledge of all the objects and

the concepts -that is when the perceptuality conditions are fulfilled - that is

the existence of the object in the form of the vRitti is united with the

consciousness of the subject - that is how the consciousness is distributed -

prakaasham vitiirya. And that prakaasham or consciousness is being

self-effulgent - it shines or illumines all the dhiyontaH pravibhaati -

illumines the very inner essence of the intellect too as chidaabhaasa -

reflecting in the pool of the intellect - or as conditioned consciousness - and

he says this is guptaH - it is as though hidden - it is

the witnessing consciousness that is illuminated in the core of the intellect.

One side it is ever shining and yet it is hidden only because the mind's

attention is not on that - it is always on the objects and concepts but not on

the light that illumining the objects and the concepts. Hence Ramana says it is

as though hidden - unless one turns inwards and examines or inquires - then

dhiyam paraavrtya dhiyontaretra - when the mind turns inwards and examines then

the shining witnessing consciousness is realized or recognized - as what as I am

is that ever shining ever existent consciousness because of which all the

objects as well as concepts are known - That samyojanaat - that turning mind's

attention is the vision of the self or the vision of the God - and there is no

other vision. aatma darshanam as sat chit darshaNam is Iswara darshanam and not

any other vision - reflecting the Vedic sloka - na tatra suuryo bhaati...

 

Mind is required not to illumine the self as a concept but mind is required to

see that which illumines the concept. That involves subtle discriminative

intellect to see the light of illumination from the object that is being

illumined. And then the knowledge from the Shaastra to recognize the

consciousness that I am that is illumining is the very essence of both the

knower and the known - the subject and the object - as the very substantive for

both - dRik and dRisyam. Illumination is there whether or not there are concepts

or objects. But recognition of that illumination consciousness is also expressed

as - akhaDaakaara vRitti -unbroken thought of I am - I am - I am - that it

raises spontaneously when one is fully established in that knowledge of I am.

This I am is not the I am as this, but I am as paramam, puurNam and sat chit

swaruupam, the supreme, full and illuminating consciousness that I am, without

any attributive knowledge involving objects and

concepts or even with apparent any attributive knowledge involving objects and

concepts. It is beyond the known and the unknown - viditam and aviditam - the

very knowing principle because of which both known and unknows are known.

 

Hari Om!

Sadananda

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Dear Sada-ji,

 

I'm sure many people would appreciate a straight translation of Sri Ramana's

verse(s) whenever you quote these in romanised sanskrit form. It's good to

see the verse on its own before reflecting on the translation mixed with

commentary and reflections.

 

It's delightful to read your thoughts on Sri Ramana's Forty Verses.

 

Peter

 

>

> advaitin

> [advaitin ] On Behalf Of kuntimaddi sadananda

> 22 May 2009 15:10

> advaitin

> Re: Concepts and Objects

>

> If I may interject, Bhagavaan Ramana goes directly into it,

> essentially echoing Shankara's and Scriptural statements too.

>

> dhiye prakaasham paramo vitiirya

> svayam dhiyo2ntaH pravibhaati guptaH|

> dhiyam paraavartya dhiyo 2ntare2tra

> samyojanaat na Iswara dRiShTiranyaa|| 24

>

> dhiya - in the mind (intellect) paramaH - the supreme,

> prakaasham vitiirya - the consciousness is essentially spread

> out or distributed into the form of the knowledge of various

> objects or objectifiable concepts.

 

<snip>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Peter - PraNAms

 

As you know, there are many tanslations and commentaries on this text. As I am

studying, I am only quoting the relavent to the topic that is being discussed.

The direct word transation would not give much meaning unless you are tuned to

Ramanas teaching which is always in very concentrated dose. If one does not have

proper vedantic background one can get lost or even misinterpret. Here I am

studying and reflecting and sharing the Bhagavaans instructions as I understand

from my background but only posting that is relavent to the on-going discussion.

 

How the talks will come out during the weekend, He only knows. Chinmaya Missions

Washington center is planning to record the talks and may become available on

U-tube some day.

 

Hari Om!

Sadananda

 

 

--- On Fri, 5/22/09, Peter <not_2 wrote:

 

 

Peter <not_2

RE: Concepts and Objects

advaitin

Friday, May 22, 2009, 12:03 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sada-ji,

 

I'm sure many people would appreciate a straight translation of Sri Ramana's

verse(s) whenever you quote these in romanised sanskrit form. It's good to

see the verse on its own before reflecting on the translation mixed with

commentary and reflections.

 

It's delightful to read your thoughts on Sri Ramana's Forty Verses.

 

Peter

 

>

> advaitin@ s.com

> [advaitin@ s.com] On Behalf Of kuntimaddi sadananda

> 22 May 2009 15:10

> advaitin@ s.com

> Re: Concepts and Objects

>

> If I may interject, Bhagavaan Ramana goes directly into it,

> essentially echoing Shankara's and Scriptural statements too.

>

> dhiye prakaasham paramo vitiirya

> svayam dhiyo2ntaH pravibhaati guptaH|

> dhiyam paraavartya dhiyo 2ntare2tra

> samyojanaat na Iswara dRiShTiranyaa| | 24

>

> dhiya - in the mind (intellect) paramaH - the supreme,

> prakaasham vitiirya - the consciousness is essentially spread

> out or distributed into the form of the knowledge of various

> objects or objectifiable concepts.

 

<snip>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Dear Sada-ji:

 

Please let us know when your lectures are available on u-tube and we will

make a link to these. Getting stuff on u-tube is very simple and even

teenagers are doing it daily. Actually the younger people can figure that

stuff out so easily. We need their help! :-).

 

 

Just get someone to film you with camcorder and that should do it.

 

Namaste and love to all

 

Yours in Bhagavan

Harsha

 

 

 

 

advaitin [advaitin ] On Behalf

Of kuntimaddi sadananda

Friday, May 22, 2009 12:36 PM

advaitin

RE: Concepts and Objects

 

 

Peter - PraNAms

 

As you know, there are many tanslations and commentaries on this text. As I

am studying, I am only quoting the relavent to the topic that is being

discussed. The direct word transation would not give much meaning unless you

are tuned to Ramanas teaching which is always in very concentrated dose. If

one does not have proper vedantic background one can get lost or even

misinterpret. Here I am studying and reflecting and sharing the Bhagavaans

instructions as I understand from my background but only posting that is

relavent to the on-going discussion.

 

How the talks will come out during the weekend, He only knows. Chinmaya

Missions Washington center is planning to record the talks and may become

available on U-tube some day.

 

Hari Om!

Sadananda

 

 

--- On Fri, 5/22/09, Peter <not_2 wrote:

 

 

Peter <not_2

RE: Concepts and Objects

advaitin

Friday, May 22, 2009, 12:03 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sada-ji,

 

I'm sure many people would appreciate a straight translation of Sri Ramana's

verse(s) whenever you quote these in romanised sanskrit form. It's good to

see the verse on its own before reflecting on the translation mixed with

commentary and reflections.

 

It's delightful to read your thoughts on Sri Ramana's Forty Verses.

 

Peter

 

>

> advaitin@ s.com

> [advaitin@ s.com] On Behalf Of kuntimaddi sadananda

> 22 May 2009 15:10

> advaitin@ s.com

> Re: Concepts and Objects

>

> If I may interject, Bhagavaan Ramana goes directly into it,

> essentially echoing Shankara's and Scriptural statements too.

>

> dhiye prakaasham paramo vitiirya

> svayam dhiyo2ntaH pravibhaati guptaH|

> dhiyam paraavartya dhiyo 2ntare2tra

> samyojanaat na Iswara dRiShTiranyaa| | 24

>

> dhiya - in the mind (intellect) paramaH - the supreme,

> prakaasham vitiirya - the consciousness is essentially spread

> out or distributed into the form of the knowledge of various

> objects or objectifiable concepts.

 

<snip>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Dear Sadaji,

 

My very best wishes for your talks on Sri Ramana's Sat Darshan (Reality in

Forty Verses, Ulladhu Narpadhu).

 

I probably didn't communicate my request to you very well. In your earlier

post you quoted Sri Ramana's verse 24 of the above. However, you only put it

in the romanised sanskrit version, as below:

 

dhiye prakaasham paramo vitiirya

svayam dhiyo2ntaH pravibhaati guptaH|

dhiyam paraavartya dhiyo 2ntare2tra

samyojanaat na Iswara dRiShTiranyaa|| 24

 

Would you please post the english for this verse (and any other verses you

quote) at the same time. That way members who do not have the translations

will be able to reflect on Sri Ramana's verse for themselves and be better

able to weigh up your interpretation as to what the verse is getting at and

how it relates to scripture and Bhagavan Sankara's teaching.

 

Even though I have a translation of these verses I find it hard to relate

your comments to the verse 24. Some translations number these differently,

hence I would also find it helpful to have an English translation of the

verses you qoute in sanskrit, in case I am looking at the wrong verse.

 

Yes, there are a number of translations - Arthur Osborne, Prof. K.

Swaminathan, Sri Ganapati Muni are just some. Lakshmana Sarma's translation

is certainly reliable as he received direct and regular instruction from Sri

Ramana himself on the meaning of these very verses and submitted his

renderings to Sri Ramana over and over again until they could not be further

improved.

 

It's true the verses are terse. However, I feel we need at least to let Sri

Ramana's words speak to the reader/member for themselves before adding our

own interpretations. I've not come across a single statement or hint in all

of Sri Ramana's recorded teachings that people should reach a certain stage

in scriptural study before they are ready to reflect on his written works.

As a 'by the way', Sri Ramana made a point of ensuring that Lakshmana

Sarma's commentary was published by Ramanasramam so that it would be widely

available.

 

Best wishes,

 

Peter

 

 

 

 

>

> advaitin

> [advaitin ] On Behalf Of kuntimaddi sadananda

> 22 May 2009 17:36

> advaitin

> RE: Concepts and Objects

>

>

> Peter - PraNAms

>

> As you know, there are many tanslations and commentaries on

> this text. As I am studying, I am only quoting the relavent

> to the topic that is being discussed. The direct word

> transation would not give much meaning unless you are tuned

> to Ramanas teaching which is always in very concentrated

> dose. If one does not have proper vedantic background one can

> get lost or even misinterpret. Here I am studying and

> reflecting and sharing the Bhagavaans instructions as I

> understand from my background but only posting that is

> relavent to the on-going discussion.

>

> How the talks will come out during the weekend, He only

> knows. Chinmaya Missions Washington center is planning to

> record the talks and may become available on U-tube some day.

>

> Hari Om!

> Sadananda

>

>

> --- On Fri, 5/22/09, Peter <not_2 wrote:

>

>

> Peter <not_2

> RE: Concepts and Objects

> advaitin

> Friday, May 22, 2009, 12:03 PM

>

>

Dear Sada-ji,

>

> I'm sure many people would appreciate a straight translation

> of Sri Ramana's

> verse(s) whenever you quote these in romanised sanskrit form.

> It's good to see the verse on its own before reflecting on

> the translation mixed with commentary and reflections.

>

> It's delightful to read your thoughts on Sri Ramana's Forty Verses.

>

> Peter

>

> >

> > advaitin@ s.com

> > [advaitin@ s.com] On Behalf Of kuntimaddi sadananda

> > 22 May 2009 15:10

> > advaitin@ s.com

> > Re: Concepts and Objects

> >

> > If I may interject, Bhagavaan Ramana goes directly into it,

> > essentially echoing Shankara's and Scriptural statements too.

> >

> > dhiye prakaasham paramo vitiirya

> > svayam dhiyo2ntaH pravibhaati guptaH|

> > dhiyam paraavartya dhiyo 2ntare2tra

> > samyojanaat na Iswara dRiShTiranyaa| | 24

> >

> > dhiya - in the mind (intellect) paramaH - the supreme, prakaasham

> > vitiirya - the consciousness is essentially spread out or

> distributed

> > into the form of the knowledge of various objects or objectifiable

> > concepts.

>

> <snip>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

---

>

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

" Peter " <not_2 wrote:

>

Some translations number these differently,

 

Peter, Pranams,

 

Yes, in Sat-Darshana Bashya the verse in question is numbered 24.

But in Ulladu Narpaddu's translations the verse in question is #22.

I didn't take the time to see where the altering of the order happens in

these two works.

As you may know, Sat-Darshana is a little different than Ulladu Naarpadu

in some aspects, but the essence stays the same.

In any case, for that verse in particular, whichever number it may have

(or if it's Ulladu N. or Sat D.), Sri Sadaji's commentary makes not only

perfect sense, but expands, at the intellectual level, the sense it has.

 

Yours in Bhagavan,

Mouna

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

" Peter " <not_2 wrote:

 

> Some translations number these differently,

 

 

Dear PeterJi, me again, Pranams,

 

Sat-Darshan Bashya takes into account the two first Mangalams of Ulladu

Naarpadu as verses.

That's why the Osborne translation (that doesn't) numbers the verses at

verse #3 of Sat Darshan Bashya.

Sat D. has forty two verses, Ulladu Naapadu is " Forty Verse on reality "

+ 2 introductory ones.

This clears the differnce in numerology.

 

Yours in Bhagavan,

Mouna

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Peter and mouna - PraNAms

 

The differences in numbering is whether they count the first two slokas - which

are invocation slokas as part of the text or not. Hence it is 22 in some and 24

in others, depending on how they count. In the chinmaya mission book I have

the numbering includes the invocation slokas also. In Satdarshanm we have 40 + 2

invocation slokas and in the end the vashiShTaganapati added 2 slokas in

acknowledging both Ramana and the translator of the tamil works. Hence 2+10+2

-we have 44 slokas. Invocation slokas contains the essence of the sat darshanam

too. I find the rest of the text is only a commentary on the first invocation

sloka.

 

Hari Om!

Sadananda

 

 

--- On Fri, 5/22/09, Mouna <maunna wrote:

 

 

Mouna <maunna

Re: Concepts and Objects

advaitin

Friday, May 22, 2009, 5:45 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

" Peter " <not_2 wrote:

>

Some translations number these differently,

 

Peter, Pranams,

 

Yes, in Sat-Darshana Bashya the verse in question is numbered 24.

But in Ulladu Narpaddu's translations the verse in question is #22.

I didn't take the time to see where the altering of the order happens in

these two works.

As you may know, Sat-Darshana is a little different than Ulladu Naarpadu

in some aspects, but the essence stays the same.

In any case, for that verse in particular, whichever number it may have

(or if it's Ulladu N. or Sat D.), Sri Sadaji's commentary makes not only

perfect sense, but expands, at the intellectual level, the sense it has.

 

Yours in Bhagavan,

Mouna

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Dear Mounaji and Sadaji,

 

Yes, and Laskshmana Sarma's version in " Revelation " is numbered differently

again to the versions you mentioned as he starts numbering from his own

invocatory verses. So verse 24 in the original is no 29 in his book.

 

The numbering is not important providing the verse qouted in this forum is

in a language that members can understand. I don't read sanskrit hence my

doubt as to verse in question.

 

> In any case, for that verse in particular, whichever number

> it may have (or if it's Ulladu N. or Sat D.), Sri Sadaji's

> commentary makes not only perfect sense, but expands, at the

> intellectual level, the sense it has.

 

I'm sure that is the case and it's a delight that Sadaji is sharing his

thoughts on these verses. However, I imagine you can only say the above,

Mounaji, either because you can read the sanskrit version of verse which

Sadaji gave or because you already have a translation - as I do. What I am

suggesting is that those who don't have a translated version and don't

understand sanskrit will not know what the verse actually says for as long

as Sadaji only gives the Sanskrit version. Hence people will not be able to

judge for themselves whether his commentary makes good sense etc.

 

There are many translations of Sri Sankara's works but that doesn't prevent

members providing an english translation when qouting them.

 

I felt that I was making a simple request. My apologies if it comes across

otherwise.

 

Best wishes,

Peter

 

 

 

>

> advaitin

> [advaitin ] On Behalf Of Mouna

> 22 May 2009 22:46

> advaitin

> Re: Concepts and Objects

>

> " Peter " <not_2 wrote:

> >

> Some translations number these differently,

>

> Peter, Pranams,

>

> Yes, in Sat-Darshana Bashya the verse in question is numbered 24.

> But in Ulladu Narpaddu's translations the verse in question is #22.

> I didn't take the time to see where the altering of the order

> happens in these two works.

> As you may know, Sat-Darshana is a little different than

> Ulladu Naarpadu in some aspects, but the essence stays the same.

> In any case, for that verse in particular, whichever number

> it may have (or if it's Ulladu N. or Sat D.), Sri Sadaji's

> commentary makes not only perfect sense, but expands, at the

> intellectual level, the sense it has.

>

> Yours in Bhagavan,

> Mouna

>

>

>

>

> ---

>

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...