advaita

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Necessity To Study Advaita Vedanta As A Philosophy

C S Shah

 

" We should not use Advaita (philosophy of non dualism) for a special

kind of mental satisfaction or for gaining intellectual kicks. Neither

is it a matter of elaborate discussion, ritual or belief. It just IS. We

do not reach Advaita - we do not achieve it. It just IS. It is a 'state'

and can never be a 'statement'. "

*

Many a philosopher has 'identified' a problem of contradiction in

Advaita System of Epistemology. For instance, in the classic allegory

cited by almost every advaitin, it is maintained that in mistaking a

rope for snake one is involved in misperception and the snake lasts only

for the duration of its knowledge. However, Advaita theory of

perception requires 'the existence of the object previous to the

appearance of knowledge', and as the illusory object of perception -

snake - does not exist prior to its perception it should be considered a

projection and not perception. There is thus clearly a contradiction

between Advaitic theory of perception and the Advaitic theory of

knowledge. Are we to therefore maintain that the theory of perception

adopted by Advaita Vedanta is rather crude on the scientific side,

or is there a way to resolving the contradiction?

 

It is not puzzling to note that one sees contradictions (apparent or

real) in the philosophic system of Advaita Vedanta; what really is

really heartening is the fact that someone is puzzled about such

contradictions! Only two category of people would not see any

contradiction in Advaita system: (1) who have realized or experienced

those principles for themselves, and (2) those who have nothing to do

with Advaita.

 

But to the lot of a fortunate few - the third category (who are

attracted by the wonders of Advaita principles but have not yet realized

the truths thereof) - would always come this welcome state of confusion

and contradiction. Blessed are those who see contradiction in Advaita

system of philosophy and epistemology, for there is then a chance for

these persons to attempt to go beyond the contradiction itself and

become one with knowledge.

 

This is so because:

1. Transcendental Realization is expected culmination of study of

Advaita Philosophy, or is expected goal of Advaitin,

2. Transcendental Realization is the only hope for Advaitin to come out

of confusion, doubt and contradiction.

3. Mind with all its functions, of language, imagination, and memory, is

inadequate medium to describe Advaitic perceptions and experiences.

 

Therefore, the restlessness of the soul that theoretically wants to

grasp all the nuances and subtleties of this system will find solace

only in its logical growth by turning philosophy into religion; that

religion which is realization. Philosophic principles -- ideas,

thoughts, arguments, etc. -- act as quanta of particle physics, if one

can say so! As seen through the prism of time, space, and causation the

same Knowledge divides itself into three: seer, seen and the act of

seeing, knower, known and the act of knowing, observer, observed and

means of observation, sense organs, sense objects, and act of sensing.

 

And wonder of wonders is that the person who realizes the truth becomes

an out of world scientist! He no more relishes the idea of discussing

the philosophic intricacies. His experience makes him humble and silent.

He becomes a yogi!

 

Discussion on Advaita philosophy presupposes the necessity of attempts

at realization of highest Truth. Here philosophy and practice form one

unit, attempt to discard any one would result in half hearted labour,

futile. It is the growth of mind in a particular direction, brought

about by particular way of sadhana that makes a man capable of

expressing spiritual Consciousness, to become Advaita Vedantin.

 

*

c s shah

http://www.neovedanta.org

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/9/01 12:13:08 pm, Ramakrishna writes:

 

>Thus, Advaita and Advaita alone would be and could be the basis for

>future universal religion. The task appears insurmountable, and almost

>impossible, but there is no other choice.

 

In one sense you are of course absolutely right. But is Advaita a choice, or

a simple fact of nature that we shall all ultimately recognise? I would

suggest that Advaita already is the foundation of all religion(s) but the

limitations of the mind inevitably expresses this in dualistic ways. This is

a necessary phase of evolution. Advaita needs to be experienced, I don't

think it can ever be a philosophy with mass appeal as it contradicts the

evidence of the senses. However, the Divine Mother is leading us all in that

direction slowly but surely; She needs to teach us some harsh lessons on the

way to help us overcome our separativeness. Duality is difficult to transcend

and we will only ever learn the hard way. However the end is inevitable for

all of us, bomber and bombed alike.

With sadness but optimism,

Alan