VEDANTHA SASTRA- BALA PAATAM(QUESTION / ANSWER FORMAT)

 HARI! OM!

Q. 1.  What is the meaning of Tattva Bodha ?                                                                                           A. 1. Tattva Bodha means the knowledge about Aatma.

Q. 2. What are the qualifications for learning Vedanta?                              A. 2. In brief the qualifications for learning Vedanta are the sadhana chatustai sampathi; The qualifications are;                                                    Atma Vichara & Jnanam                                                      Adhikari Vichara & Jananm                                                          Brahma / Ishwara Tatva Vichara & Jnanam                                  Jeeva and IShwara Aikya Vichara & Janam                                     Phalam  Vichara

Q.3 What are the methods to achieve dispassion ( Vairagya)?                    A.3. The methods to achieve dispassion or vairagya are ;                           sakarma, dharma anushtanam, nishkama dharma anushtanam with full faith in sastras, These will enable us to know the difference between “jeeva and shareera”, Thereby the vivekam will come on the aatma thathvam.                             Continuing the nishkama dharma anushtanam, vivekam will become strong,          Then be in the company of satsang ( Vivekis)                                      Looking for dosha in vishya sukham and consider vishya sukham is adharma & not permanent. This way dispassion is achieved.

Q.4. What is meant by sraddha?                                                    A.4. Sraddha means taking full & deep confidence (विश्वास) in guru, Vedanta vakhyams(वेदान्त वाक्य) and such.     

Q.5. What is aatma?                                                            A.5. Aatma is the one and only Absolute truth and with everything else super imposed on. Its सत् चित् आनन्दः, the pure consciousness common to entire creation. It is that which is ever happy, in a state of rest or equilibrium and ever contented and peaceful, blissful.  

Q. 6. What are the Pancha koshas?                                               A. 6. The pancha koshas are; Annamaya kosham, Pranamaya Kosham, Manomaya Kosham, Vigynamaya Kosham, Anandamaya Kosham.   

Q. 7. What are the Jnanendrias and Karmendriyas?                                  A. 7 . The Jnanedriyas are five and through or by which we perceive or interact with the world. They are : Srothra (श्रोत्राः) or hearing, Skin or feel of touch (त्वक), Chakshu or vision (चक्षु:),  Rasnaa or the taste (रसनाः) and ghranam or the smell (घ्राणम्)

The Karmendriya, also five are Mouth (वाक्), Hands(पाणि), Legs (पाद), Rectum (पाय or मल द्वार), Genitals(उपस्थनि)

Q. 8. What is meant by Panchikaranam?                                          A. 8. Panchikaranam is the quintuplication of the  basic / primordial five subtle (सूक्षम) elements or पञ्चभूताः, in the process of creation that transforms subtle matter into gross matter (स्थूल शरीराः). The 5 elements or the पञ्चभूताः, आकाशं (Space), वायुः(Air) ,जलम्(Water) , अग्निः (Fire) तथा पृथ्वी(Earth), each is divided into 2 halves. Retaining 1 half of each element as it is the other halves are each divided into further 4 parts. The 1/8^th part each of the Original full 5 elements combine in various combinations to produce gross elements, as an unending continuous process of creation.                                                                      The gross bodies thus produced + the Mind + the Intellect (BMI Complex) +The pure consciousness, चित्, gives the life form, solidifying as per quality of the element combination & +  the Ego comes with feeling of I’ness and Individuality, identifying with the body or BMI.

Q. 9. What is the nature of Atma?                                                A. 9. The nature or लक्षणम् of aatma are it is endless & has no beginning (अनादि), Aatma has no attributes, has no forms, is pure consciousness, appears as manifestations. Aatma is not the cause for creation. Aatma cannot be explained or be comprehended but can only be experienced by one himself or herself. Aatma is the only absolute truth and changeless. Aatma is pure and independent and not bound by any creation etc.

Q. 10. What is meant by Mahavakhya?                                              A. 10. Mahavakhya, literally, Great Sentence are “Great Sayings” of the Upanishads as characterized by Vedanta. These Mahavakhyas are interpreted as supporting the insight that the individual self which appears as a separate existence is in essence part and manifestation of the whole ( Brahman / Aatman).

Some common Mahavakhyas;                                                               

Tat tvam Asi (तत्  त्वम् असि) – That thou art, as per Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7 of Sama Veda :: Tat is referring Sat, the existent and the very nature of all existence as permeated by finest essence.                                                                     Aham Brahmasmi (अहम् ब्रह्मास्मि) – I am Brahman or I am Divine, as per Brihadarnayaka Upanishad 1.4.10 of Yajur Veda                                                             Prajnanam Brahma (प्रज्ञानम् ब्रह्मा) -   Prajnanam is Brahma or Brahma is Prajnanam, Aitreya Upanishad, 3.3 of Rig Veda

Ayam Atma Brahma (अयम् आत्मा ब्रह्मा) –This self (atman) is Brahman, Mandukya Upanishad, 1.2 of Atharva Veda 

Ekam Evadvitiyam  (एकम् एवद्वितियम्) – Brahma is one without a second, Chandogya Upanishad of Sama Veda 

Soham (सो ऽहम्) –I am that, Isha Upanishad                                            Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म )- All of this or everything is Brahma or   Brahma is in Everything, Chandogya Upanishad, 3.14.1                                         Etadvai Tat (एतद्वै तत्) – This is  verily what you are seeking, katha Upanishad,2.2.8