hariḥ oṁ
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namasté
Have you noticed that many-a-post refers to the knowledge that is found within the bhāgavad gītā¹ ? Now why would that be? One can answer, it is a great book, it is the song (gītā) of the Lord (bhagavān). I would say that is absolutely correct. Yet, as always in sanātana dharma there is more.
It is considered one of the foundations of vedānta. As you know vedānta = veda + anta = end of the veda. This ‘end’ has significance as it means conclusion, final but also suggests there is nothing further; that no one need to go further then this for knowledge, it is final. I will offer some additional ideas in a future post on this notion, but for now let’s get back to the notion of ‘foundations’.
The foundation of vedānta is called prasthānatrayī . This word is prasthāna + trayī . Prasthāna is defined ‘the place of origin’, ‘starting point’ , ‘source’ – so many have termed this as foundation. And trayī = traya which simply means ‘3’ , but also means ‘summit’ or the highest point.
So, if we combine the meanings it suggests that prasthānatrayī is the 3 places of origin, the source, the highest point (traya) of vedānta. And what are these three ?
Note that smṛti is that which is remembered, sruti is that which is heard, and nyāya that which is reasoned.
- The bhāgavad gītā , also called smṛti prasthāna within the framework we are speaking
- The upaniṣad-s , also called sruti-prasthāna
- The brahmasutra-s , also called nyāya-prasthāna
So it is this prasthānatrayī that is considered core to vedānta. These scriptures are considered key for that author who wishes to profoundly comment & explain (bhāṣya) these works… some call them the checkmarks that are needed for any of the great bhāyaṣkāra-s ( or bhāyakārin-s) to comment on.
So that should be it… end of story ? Well, if you look at the term vedānta it can be prefixed by 3 different views of vedānta ( leave it to us humans to not be satisfied with one):
Who are the primary bhāyaṣkārin-s of these now-to-be-known schools of vedānta ?
- adivaita vedānta
- viśiṣtādvaita vedānta
- dvaita vedānta
Are there others ? Yes, but most if not all stand on the shoulders of these 3 bhāyaṣkārin-s.
- ādi śaṅkara for adivaita vedānta
- rāmānuja for viśiṣtādvaita vedānta
- madhvācārya for dvaita vedānta
Many ( but not all) of our conversations on HDF stem back to these books and points of view. They talk of the truth of reality from 3 different views. For some they see them as ‘camps’ or opposing views, for others they see the ‘camps’ as 3 different vantage points to view Reality and the definition of this Reality.
So , on HDF when a conversation arises many a thoughtful person will say, it all depends on how you look at it. This is not just a modern day deterrent to avoid being cornered into a position, but the actual vantage point of a learned person; three different views of the same subject matter.
There is more to add to this overall conversation and will ( and others are welcomed) to continue in future posts.
iti śivaṁ
words
- bhāgavad components
- bhaj = to grant , bestow , furnish + ga
- ga is rooted in √gai singing
- bhaga = ‘dispenser’ ; gracious lord; good fortune , happiness , welfare , prosperity; love and affection
- vad = to praise; also to speak , recite , rehearse; it also means
- Additional HDF post : http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=5093