06-07-2005, 02:31 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-gangajal+Jun 7 2005, 02:31 AM-->QUOTE(gangajal @ Jun 7 2005, 02:31 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Of course there can be no world if Brahman is without a second and is unchanging since the world coming out of Brahman will change Brahman. </b><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Pulikesi, Sri Shankara's explanation is that even though the rope is one without a second, there is a snake perceived based on the reality of the rope. This is where 'maya' and 'avidya' comes into picture. In the case of the snake and the rope, the observer is external to 'both'. But in case of Brahman, the observer, and the observed are supposed to be one and the same. Jeeva, which is itself a projection, and the Jagat, which is also a projection, are in reality Brahman - the cause of perception, which is beyond perception.
Initially the perception is 'God created the Universe'. Next we graduate to the thought that 'God did not CREATE the Universe, but God *became* the Universe'. Finally, thanks to Advaita we says God *appears* as the Universe, and then remain Silent in One's own nature.
My take on Who is a Hindu? -- Anyone who understands, appreciates, and revels in the Shruthi, Smrithi, Itihasa, Purana, or even one who does not know or understand the above but just goes on selflessly with his Karma Yoga is a hindu. Shankaracharya had criticized and unified seventy-two religions, the outcome is what we have today - "Hinduism".
Pulikesi, Sri Shankara's explanation is that even though the rope is one without a second, there is a snake perceived based on the reality of the rope. This is where 'maya' and 'avidya' comes into picture. In the case of the snake and the rope, the observer is external to 'both'. But in case of Brahman, the observer, and the observed are supposed to be one and the same. Jeeva, which is itself a projection, and the Jagat, which is also a projection, are in reality Brahman - the cause of perception, which is beyond perception.
Initially the perception is 'God created the Universe'. Next we graduate to the thought that 'God did not CREATE the Universe, but God *became* the Universe'. Finally, thanks to Advaita we says God *appears* as the Universe, and then remain Silent in One's own nature.
My take on Who is a Hindu? -- Anyone who understands, appreciates, and revels in the Shruthi, Smrithi, Itihasa, Purana, or even one who does not know or understand the above but just goes on selflessly with his Karma Yoga is a hindu. Shankaracharya had criticized and unified seventy-two religions, the outcome is what we have today - "Hinduism".