The ABSOLUTE and MANIFESTATION
Sw V Complete works Vol 2. London 1896.
Q1. How was the INFINITE, the ABSOLUTE become FINITE?
a. DEFINITIONS
i.
Universe is
1.
The material world
2.
The mental world
3.
The spiritual world
4.
The heavens and earths
5.
Everything
6.
Everything that changes ( body, mind).
ii.
Time:
1.
Is thought associated with Mind
2.
Change between 2 events
iii.
Space:
1.
External change
2.
With respect to 3 objects, associated with Mind
iv.
Causation:
1.
Motion (cause n effect), associated with Time
and Space
2.
Answer to “why?”
3.
Precedence and succession == Law of causation
4.
Interdependence
b. STATEMENT:
i.
Absolute becomes Universe by coming through
Time+Space+Causation
ii.
Absolute is:
1.
Unknowable, Infinte
a.
Knowledge/objectification ϵ Mind. Therefore,
Absolute ϵ/ Mind
2.
Free
a.
If Absolute is caused by something then Absolute
ϵ Universe ≠ Free, ≠ changeless
3.
Independent
a.
If Absolute is caused by something then Absolute
≠ Cause of the Universe => Absolute ≠ independent.
b.
Therefore Absolute cannot be caused by
something.
Absolute, Infinite can NEVER become
finite.
Example:
Waves in Ocean. Waves =- Suns, Stars etc..
Ocean is the Absolute.
The Waves are perceived in Time, Space and Causation.
== MAYA
Waves vanish => T/S/C vanish
=> Free…!!!!.
GOAL:
Get rid off this clinging to Time/Space/Causation.
Q2. What is Advaita’s definition of GOD?
a.
God is the Absolute, the unknowable one
b.
God is neither knowable nor unknowable.
c.
God is higher than known
d.
God is higher than unknown, unknowable.
e.
Eternal Witness
f.
In and through Him we know
g.
Essence of I, the ego through which we know
h.
Infinitely nearer to us but still higher
i.
Essence of everything, Soul of my soul.
Q3. What is the meaning of “Thou Art That”?
a.
“He is the essence of your Soul, He is the
Truth, He is the Self, Thou art that oh Shvetaketu!” He is one with us. I
cannot dissociate myself from myself to know myself.
Q4. What is Theory of Evolution?
a.
A tremendous potential power which is trying to
express itself against the circumstances, environment holding it down. In order
to fight against its environment, this power is taking bodies again and again.
Thus amoeba becomes Man.
Q5. What is MORALITY?
a.
Making the subject strong by attuning to the
Absolute so that the finite Nature ceases to have control over us.
Q6. How can the task of gaining control over this infinite Nature be doable?
a.
Nature can be conquered because Nature is finite.
b.
Nature is the INFINITE under limitations and hence finite.
Q7. Why do we need MORALITY?
a.
Morality gives FREEDOM and Immorality leads to
Bondage.
Q8. How to conquer EVIL?
a.
Changing and perfecting the SUBJECTIVE
b.
Ex: If I am immune to anger… I never feel angry.
Q9. How to save INDIA from Materialism?
a.
Advaita philosophy
Q10. What will be the religion of future?
a.
SHANKARA’s bright sun of intellectuality
b.
Combined with
c.
BUDDHA’s heart of infinite LOVE and MERCY… aka
moral life.
….ex: Swamiji Himself
This is the GOAL of Human life now. Science
& Religion shall meet.
Q 11. What is the timeline of the prophets?
a.
Advaita---materialism-----Buddha---materialism-----Shankara---materialism-----RSV----
Q12. Why does Dualism appeal?
a.
Its for the less educated minds because it
appeals to the vanity that the practisers have exclusive rights to privileges
Q13. What are the 3 teachings of Jesus in light of the 3 philosophies of Dwaita, Vishishta Advaita and Advaita?
a.
To the common mass He said: “Pray to your Father
in Heaven”.
b.
To the intelligents He said: “ I am the Vine, ye
are the branches”.
c.
To His disciples He said: Me and My Father are
One”.
(c) Nandini Mitra Banerjee Oct 20, 2013
