Vedanta - Do not get distracted by polemics.

With humble bowings to Sri Adishankaracharya, I begin my post today.

When it comes to Atma-Vichara (Quest for the Self), beginners to the subject usually mistake arguments for questioning. They get into polemical discussions or sophistry to prove their half-baked understanding. The Indian School called NYAYA, which was compiled by the Great Sage - Gauthama, helps us to understand the nature of Enquiry or discussion.

A serious student of Vedanta should be familiar with NYAYA shastra (Epistemology), Vaisheshika (Particle Physics), Samkhya, Yoga, and also of some understanding of (Vedic) Quantum mechanics and (Vedic) Psychology.

Vedanta is not a philosophy that just soothes the ego, and gives a feel-good factor. Vedanta dissects the ego, and also gives a proper understanding of the Self, and the Universe (in relation to the Self.) To the best of my knowledge, I have not seen a system of philosophy, or a branch of religion that compares to Vedanta in it's approach to Rational analysis of the Self, and the Universe.

Philosophers of all ages have argued vehemently to prove a point that they thought was the most valid. Partly, this was owing to their upbringing (or tradition) as we call it. Some of them had valid insights into a particular aspects, but were not effective in conveying their points. And yet others, had direct experience of Reality, and also had the means and mode to convey this information in a clear and lucid manner.

Sri Adishankaracharya, inorder to discourage philosophers from quarrel-mongering, composed the following hymn. This is a shloka from the famous Shivananda-Lahari.

Gato va, Mrithpindo va, Anurapi cha, dhoomo'gnir achalah
Pato va, tanthur va pariharathi kim ghora shamanam...
Vrutha kanta kshobham vahasi tarasaa tharka vachasaa
Padhaamboja bhaja shambor parama saukhyam vrajashudhi.
-- Shivanandha Lahari (6)


Meaning: The various examples used by logicians, like Pot (and space), clod of earth, atom, smoke, fire, or mountain, cloth, and thread etc, which of these can save you from the face of death? You are unnecessarily wasting the water in your throat. Do bow to the lotus feet of Lord Shiva which alone purifies your mind.