07-12-2004, 12:45 PM
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>In order to keep the focus of this thread on an Introductory level to establish definitions and concepts, I have decided to split this off and see how it goes (despite an opposing opinion). I would like this thread to be focused on topic, so that we all start off on the right foot. I find usually when assumptions and definitions are clearly stated much of the basis for future contentiousness is reduced and as a consequence has more clarity. This thread will follow the lead of Sunder by discussing Panchadasi by Vidyaranaya.</span>
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->May be it is time to have a full scale debate on Vedanta. But it will be fruitless if Vedanta were to be judged as science. It is a system of philosophy and those who are willing to debate it as a system of philosophy are welcome to join in. Also if someone hasn't spent the effort in going through the Vedanta texts and understanding them but still wants to pass judgements on them, then all I can say is that I can find better use for my time on the web.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ashok, I agree with the general tenor of your remarks. Vedanta is indeed a powerful philosophy, an ontological construct of the human intellect that is grand in its scope and sweep but which is beyond the grasp of many as they ponder on the implications (I dont necessarily exclude myself from this category - even though I have been a perpetual student of this elegant logical construct for a few decades).
The Proper way to discuss Vedanta is to start from the beginning and establish your definitions and inferences slowly. If we intend to do this in this forum, i suggest an elementary prakarana grantha like Tattvabodha (to build up our dictionary of definitions and avoid unnecessary confusion) and work our way from there. That would induce newcomers to join. Even a relatively small text like the tattvabodha (or the Atma bodha both by Adi Sankara) needs several sessions. We need a moderator or a facilitator to lead the discussion and to keep it focused. If there are any takers it would be worthwhile (at the rate of 1 or 2 lecture or tutorial sessions per week. Such elaboratory material (bhashyas on bhashyas) are available in relative profusion in the net, but we still need a moderator to closely monitor the discussion. I have too many things to juggle at the moment. But if one of the members could organize such a discussion forum, tightly focused on the material at hand,then it would be a immense benefit.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->May be it is time to have a full scale debate on Vedanta. But it will be fruitless if Vedanta were to be judged as science. It is a system of philosophy and those who are willing to debate it as a system of philosophy are welcome to join in. Also if someone hasn't spent the effort in going through the Vedanta texts and understanding them but still wants to pass judgements on them, then all I can say is that I can find better use for my time on the web.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ashok, I agree with the general tenor of your remarks. Vedanta is indeed a powerful philosophy, an ontological construct of the human intellect that is grand in its scope and sweep but which is beyond the grasp of many as they ponder on the implications (I dont necessarily exclude myself from this category - even though I have been a perpetual student of this elegant logical construct for a few decades).
The Proper way to discuss Vedanta is to start from the beginning and establish your definitions and inferences slowly. If we intend to do this in this forum, i suggest an elementary prakarana grantha like Tattvabodha (to build up our dictionary of definitions and avoid unnecessary confusion) and work our way from there. That would induce newcomers to join. Even a relatively small text like the tattvabodha (or the Atma bodha both by Adi Sankara) needs several sessions. We need a moderator or a facilitator to lead the discussion and to keep it focused. If there are any takers it would be worthwhile (at the rate of 1 or 2 lecture or tutorial sessions per week. Such elaboratory material (bhashyas on bhashyas) are available in relative profusion in the net, but we still need a moderator to closely monitor the discussion. I have too many things to juggle at the moment. But if one of the members could organize such a discussion forum, tightly focused on the material at hand,then it would be a immense benefit.