॥ हर हर महादेव हर ॥ Exploring the Hindu Schools of Philosophy: Vedaant The manifestation of the philosophical institution we call modern Hinduism owes its revival and reform to one philosophical tradition which is universally accepted as the generic ideal and basis of the Sanatan Dharm. Vedaant, is the fundamental philosophy of the nature of the Atman and the Brahman, the Soul and the Almighty based on the interpretationsof the Upanishads. The fundamentals of Vedaant originate in the three texts commonly referred to as the Prasthaantrayam, or the three sources of philosophical truth. The Gita, Brahm Sutras of Baadaraayan, and the Upanishads form the Prasthaantrayam. गीताश्रयेऽहं तिष्ठामि गीता मे चोत्तमं गृहम् । गीताज्ञानमुपाश्रित्य त्रील्ँलोकान् पालयाम्यहम् ॥ I take My stand on the Gita, Gita is My most supreme abode, using the knowledge of the Gita as a base, I uphold the three worlds. This statement of the Lord from the Varahapuraan clearly states why the Gita is the perfect text to understand the nature of the Supreme and in so doing, comprehend our being. If the Supreme Lord is seen as a symbol for the ultimate truth, the secret of the Gita is revealed. Truth takes its stand on the Gita, hence Gita first and foremost is the ultimate declaration of truth. Gita is the most exalted abode of truth, hence, if one seeks truth, it is the Gita where one should look. If one wishes to understand the under-pinning power which penetrates the three worlds, and establishes truth within them, one must look towards the Gita. In terms of Vedaant, the Gita is known as the Smriti Prasthaan, the starting point of the knowledge which is retained. The wisdom in the Gita is appreciated in Vedaant because Bhagavan Shri Krushna has spoken as the Supreme about Himself and about all forms of life being a part and parcel of His own Divine Self. This theory is complimentary to the Vedaantic ideals which are based on the conscious being, the Atman, and its effort to join the Ultimate Brahman. The final Shlok or conclusion of the Gita states, यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः । तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम ॥ Wherever there is Bhagavaan Shri Krushna, the Lord of Yog, and wherever there is Arjun, the wielder of the Gandiv bow, righteous qualities will surely prevail, such is my conviction. Simply put, for anyone wielding the weapon of inquiry, effort, and positive intention, to strive to understand Krushna, the Ultimate truth or Brahman, surely success in Tap (struggle) shall be the result. The entire nectar of the Gita is re-established in this quote, and in so doing, the nature of the Gita is revealed as the path of Saadhana, which happens to be one of the three factors of Vedaantic knowledge. The Brahm Sutras constitute the second component of the Prasthaantrayam, and are known as Nyay Prasthaan, or the point of logic. In order to further understand why the Brahm Sutras are recognized as the logical reasoning of Vedaant, one must identify its use. The Brahma Sutras themselves open with the quote अथातो ब्रह्मजिज्ञासा,now is the time for inquiry. If Brahm, the Supreme can be understood as a never ending, constant energy, and the human life is the only life capable of expanding one’s mind and consciousness in order to fit in the realm of Brahm, therefore logically, it is the human being which has the conscious capability to understand the spiritual workings of the world. The Brahm Sutras deal with the inquiry of Yog, Karm, and critically analyze both Aastik (orthodox) and Naastik (secular) approaches to comprehending the spiritual administration which governs this creation. It must be understood that the Brahm Sutras are in fact the medium by which the principles of Vedaant, namely the structure, components, any opponents, and the final fruits of achieving Brahman are shown, and therefore the Brahm Sutras are called the Darshan component of Vedaant. From these three canonical texts, the Upanishads clearly convey the message of Vedaant. A common misunderstanding is that Vedaant is the end of the Ved, however the suffix “–ant” in Vedaant refers to the final message, the ultimate secret which must be found. In the case of Vedaant, the Upanishads are the texts which spill the wisdom buried in the Ved, hence the term Vedaant refers to the teachings of the Upanishads. From the three Vedantic components, the Upanishads constitute the Smaart phenomenon, or the final understanding which is a reiteration of Vedaant being the essence of the Ved. The Upanishads are therefore the Shruti Prasthaan, or the wisdom which is heard, and is of Vedaantic nature. Vedaant is the culmination of all Vedic knowledge, the essence of the Upanishads, and the ultimate explanation of ancient thought, spiritual practice, and religious understanding.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 16:33:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015