Philosophy in Sanskrit is Tattvajnana it is a theory which acts as a guiding principle for behaviour. Tattva is the Truth about the relationship between the Tattvatraya namely Jada (Matter), Jeeva (Mind) and Iswara (Energy).
This word “Philosophy” is been misused and misinterpreted.
If any subject is deeply analysed we hear people say, “don’t start your philosophy now” or “no philosophy please.” It is a convenient way of distancing ourselves from the real solution to a problem and veiling it with our ignorance to reel in misery. This is the real irony of life.
One may find neat bound copies of Bhagavad-Gita, quotes from Swamy Vivekananda or series of books published by Divine Life Society stacked on the top self of book cabinet. There is no point in keep them there unless the knowledge got from them is incorporated in our daily life.
Tattvajnana appears to be a very difficult and complex subject if it is linked to religion. Rtam (Reality) and Sathyam (Truth) is the prevailing thought and is indebted to King Ajatashatru of Kashi, King Janaka of Vaidehi, Pravahana Jaivali of Panchala and King Ashwapathi of Kaikeya who contributed a lot in analysing the relationship between the Mind, Matter and Energy.
King Ajatasatru of Kashi propounded the theory that Consciousness pervades the body and ensures that the senses remain alert. However, Consciousness absorbs the functions of the organs and withdraws into the space within the heart when one goes to sleep.
King Pratardana, the son of Divodasa of Kasi, asserted that Consciousness is what controls all other faculties and senses such as sight, sound, speech, breath, limbs and even mind. He spoke about employing the symbolism of the Yajna and self-control (samyama) as an inner sacrifice (antaram agnihotra). He argued that breathing is essential for a living being but, breathing is only a symbol of prana (vital breath). One can hold his breath for some time and still be alive, but one cannot be alive even for an instant without prana. He said, “When Prana departs Death occurs and when it resumes, Life begins.”
Pratardana also observed that one cannot breathe and speak simultaneously. When a man speaks he cannot breathe and when he breaths he cannot speak.
King Janaka of Mithila was more known as a philosopher than as a king. Sage Yagnavalkya his Guru convened philosophical discourse where women philosophers like Gargi and Maitrei also gave discourses. They even challenged Yajnavalkya on the issue of Atma (Soul) and Parmatma (God). The principle of Karma and rebirth was first debated during this period.
King Pravahana Jaivali of Panchala, was extremely well versed in Udgitha. Many of his theories are about the path taken by the dead and how the departed soul fares on its way to rebirth. He was of the view that rebirth is only after the merits of earlier birth. It was also during this period that the orthodox and heterodox forms of philosophy emerged. This classification depended on whether the Vedas were regarded as an infallible source of knowledge.
King Ashwapathi of Kaikeya put forward his own theory of Vaisvanara vidya or super soul which pervades all existence as Atma. Many scholars learnt this doctrine of Atma from Ashwapathi. The Vaisvanara concept is explained as a higher form of meditation.
There are many philosophers who have polished our thought process...... I bow to them all!!!
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