Vedanta - Discussion Forum I (introductory))

[gangajal]

<!--QuoteBegin-Sunder+Feb 15 2005, 05:51 AM-->QUOTE(Sunder @ Feb 15 2005, 05:51 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin--> Gangajal ji, in the above quote from the Brihadaranyaka there is no mention that Ishwara creates the dream objects. It mentions that Brahman (the Observer) is the one who creates dream objects. Where these objects exist except in the mind? So also the real world's existance. It is as real as the dream world according to Advaitins and Vishistadvaithins. Here we are harping on the same statements with different interpretations.

Advaitins say that as dream is "unreal", so is the waking state. Vishistadvaitins seem to say that as the waking state is real, dreams too are real. Terminologies vary, but the agreement of the states being similar seems to be common among both schools.

Now, an Advaitin's argument of reality is this.. When you take away the changeable or modifiable components of an object, what remains that does not change or mutate or vanish is REALITY. This is called Brahman. Now, instead of breaking my head over the terminological diffrences, I should probably start reading the Sri Bhashyam and THEN start talking about the differences. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Sundar ji,
Yes, the difference between Advaita and Visistadvaita depends on their definition of Brahman. Visistadvaita says Brahman could mean Narayana, Jiva or Jagat. Since here the text is talking about the creation of the dream objects, and it is well known that neither Jiva or Jagat can create anything, that implies that Narayana or Isvar has created the dream objects.