Some offer the analogy that the jīva is related to Bhagavān in the same way as a drop of the ocean relates to the ocean. The drop of the ocean:ocean analogy has been used to propagate the notion that the jīva is ‘qualitatively similar’ to Bhagavān, but quantitatively […]
Dear readers, We have been struggling with some glitches associated with wordpress. We tried to migrate away from it, but have now returned as wordpress has some features that are not easily available elsewhere. Unfortunately, we lost many comments that were added to different articles in the month […]
That the ātmā is distinct from the body is accepted in most Indian schools of thought. Mīmāṁsā, Vedānta, Yoga and Sāṅkhya all accept this, but do not agree on the ātmā’s svarūpa or essential characteristics. There are many points about the ātmā on which there is agreement among […]
In the previous two articles, we saw how the first four Vedānta-sūtras map onto the first verse of the Bhāgavatam. We now examine the fifth and final sūtra, 1.1.5 ikṣater nāśabdam: 1.1.5 Because of the mention of [Brahman’s] act of seeing, pradhāna [is not the source of creation]. […]
We continue our examination of the mapping of the Vedānta-sūtras onto Bhāgavatam 1.1.1.
Many a young person becomes sucked up in the comfort of belonging to a religious organization or sect. They are eager to prove the degree of their surrender and conviction by quitting their profession and careers. Unfortunately, they don’t know what lies ahead, and gamble too much on […]
The first verse of a book is generally important in establishing its meaning. There are six criteria for establishing the meaning of a book, out of which upakrama or introductory statements is the first one. The first verse of the Bhāgavatam, therefore, is of prime importance to anyone […]
This is a summary of the Paramatma Sandarbha.
How is śāstra defined? Knowing its definition can help us understand its purpose and its nature.
We continue our discussion of Baladeva Vidyabhusana’s commentary on the Brahma sutras. As mentioned in a previous article, this commentary has been (mis)interpreted to support the jīva’s beginningless choice to enter the material world. I present the translation below along with notes. || 2.3.35 || atha prakṛti-kartṛtvāde doṣān […]
One of the pramāṇas propped up by some to support the novel concept that the jīva made an ‘anādi choice’ to enter the material world is Śrī Baladeva’s commentary on Vedanta-sūtras 2.3.31-40. Here we present a translation of Śrī Baladeva’s commentary. As will become clear, these proponents put […]
I received a long reply from a proponent of the jiva-choice theory- but I did not publish it as it violates the rules for posting on this site. I will answer one question, which is worth answering: The writer quotes me from the previous article: Question: You yourself […]
