Vedic epistemology and ontology

” Ontology and epistemology are both branches of philosophy that study different aspects of reality: 

• Ontology
• The study of being, or the nature of existence and what is real. Ontology is concerned with what exists and what is true or real. It covers a wide range of entities, including everyday objects, living beings, and ideas. 
• Epistemology
• The study of knowledge, or how we can know things. Epistemology is concerned with how we can know about the existence of things and how we can separate true ideas from false ideas. It also studies theories of knowledge, such as how knowledge is derived and how reliable it is. “
• The Vedic perspective…..
• The Vedas bring everyone on a journey of knowledge , no matter where they might currently be ,  the journey is an eternal one in one sense . The Vedas offer  appropriate wisdom and systematic learning for children , the youth, and older folks . It also offers a study programme for the doubtful,  an initial sign of intelligence is to be doubtful after all . According to where ones life journey ended from a previous one  , automatically,  again one picks up the mantel of learning and sets off on the journey again .  Specifics of learning obviously vary in many ways , but onwards and upwards is the prescription for all  . Ultimately, if we want to gain knowledge of Divinity along with His sciences, there are  correct and  recognised epistemological processes that are accompanied by  purificatory processes within the different varnas and ashrams . The first thing is to become pure in consciousness by following particular standards alloted according to one’s current situation , they are of many types. Only  by the acceptance of due process will any understanding of the Supreme pure and His  personality be developed and perfected. The original Vedas have been summarised into short codes and aphorisms . The Srimad Bhagavatam is the natural commentary of these codes , called the Vedanta-sutra.
• Within the Srimad Bhagavatam, Jiva Goswami says are the epistemological systems of the Sruti , Smriti , Puranas, and Tantras , so everything complete .This is so because  the Vedas as a complete unit is very difficult to understand in a  comprehensive way . Srila Jiva Goswami says that in this in his  Tattva Sandarbha.

ataḥ śrī-kṛṣṇa-nāmādi
na bhaved grāhyam indriyaiḥ
sevonmukhe hi jihvādau
svayam  eva sphuraty adaḥ

Translation

“ ‘Therefore material senses cannot appreciate Kṛṣṇa’s holy name, form, qualities and pastimes. When a conditioned soul is awakened to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and renders service by using his tongue to chant the Lord’s holy name and taste the remnants of the Lord’s food, the tongue is purified, and one gradually comes to understand who Kṛṣṇa really is .

Regarding ontological considerations.

Athato brahma jijnasa is a phrase from the Vedanta-sutra that means “Now is the time to inquire about the Absolute Trut

jīvera ‘svarūpa’ haya — kṛṣṇera ‘nitya-dāsa’
kṛṣṇera ‘taṭasthā-śakti’ 

bhedābheda-prakāśa

Translation

“It is the living entity’s constitutional position to be an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa because he is the marginal energy of Kṛṣṇa and a manifestation simultaneously one with and different from the Lord, like a molecular particle of sunshine or fire. Kṛṣṇa has three varieties of energy.

The conclusive understanding of who we are has been  given by Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu , and it is summarised like this , we are inconceivably and simultaneous one and different from God .

This conclusive understanding separates Sankacarya and his oneness from the  philosophy of  Madhva Acarya,  Ramanuja Acarya , Srila Visnu Swami , and Nimbarka Acarya , who respectively taught , purified monism , ( a connection with Divinity) specific monism , ( as a servant of Divinity in varying ways ) pure monism ( indicating a oneness in love ) and one and difference.

Caitanya Mahāprabhu added the inconceivable and simultaneous oneness and difference in His revealing the pranaya , oneness in love , particularly of the Manjaris , technically called Tad tad bhava icha atmika .

Thus the Vedas lack nothing in the matter of epistemology or ontology and their conclusion.

• http://www.thevedicspectator.com

---

---

The  unstoppable power of the oceans  waves slowly eradicate the most solid and hardest of cliffs and turn them into meaningless pebbles in comparison .

Similarly, the waves of Bhakti yoga,  the yoga of devotion towards Divinity gradually build, and the swelling in the heart  begins to constantly pound the material energies. Eventually, the attraction for living in an artificial environment , i.e. the living beings seeking happiness outside of God take its toll . The trancendental intelligence builds more and more and, like a ferocious wave, rejects such an artificial imposition.

Srimati Radharani is known as Suratarangani , the current or the strength of Her attraction for Krishna knows no bounds , there is no comparison . It is the greatest force in the entire material or spiritual worlds . It  is a mystery to even Lord Bramha or Lord Siva , and it’s a mystery for Lord Krishna who developed a desire to experience that loving wave .

When Srimati Radharani runs off to the trysting grounds , on hearing the call of Krishna’s flute, such an incalculable force is exhibited in full . But at the seaside , just as huge waves eventually are sucked back into the ocean , like a false retreat , and the new oncoming waves are suppressed , similarly when  Srimati Radharani has to return back home  to Her in-laws against Her will , the waves of Her spontaneous rasa are in a false  retreat , and the eternal ongoing waves are temporarily forced to retreat….

The Srimad Bhagavatam and the various commentaries written by many leading acaryas within the Gaudia Vaisnava school describe such a trancendental phenomenon , those who follow Srila Rupa and Ragganatha das Goswami’s.

http://www.thevedicspectator.com

Generational hatred takes a long time to shift, and obviously, Israel are currently preparing the ground for more of it, fueling a fire that will be very hard to extinguish. Misunderstandings of political philosophy are common. Thus, the best of the Islamic scholars should be accepted by Hamas, as well as Jewish people, so the acceptance of both faiths and their rights and their lands can  be accepted by both Israeli and Palestinian .  Hopefully, not the kind of priests who formerly and supposedly followed the Old Testament, and had Jesus handed to the Romans and insisted on his crucifixion..
Of course, any new looks at old religious traditions are hard for the old guard to accept , but times move on , and religions need reestablishing .The truth in the material atmosphere becomes lost or altered . Throughout all theological cultures that occures , its not surprising.  In Bhagavad Gita Krishna says again and again I come to reestablish proper religious practices , because over a course of time they get eroded by materialism and the representatives of religious traditions change  the meanings or purposes of religion.  Krishna comes personally or sends a representative.
Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja , one of the Gaudia Vaisnava acaryas, received threats to his life , and the establishment of the Gaudia Vaisnava’s in the west  could not be  understood by many established traditions in India . So much so that Western people are not allowed into some Indian temples . AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s applications of Krishna consciousness in the West could not be understood even by his own Godbrothers in some cases .
In the case of Jesus, the Jewish priests were cursed, and they were wrong , we can see the success of the preaching of Jesus worldwide .

Still, traditions can and should be carefully respected , and the  people of old traditions can be respected in humble ways . There is no need for violence and hatred ,that is the demoniac solution,  understandings should be encouraged , paying respect to one and all, and tollerance are the teachings of Jesus , that teaching is contained in every religion.  Both Hamas and the Israelis  can learn from that , as can many cultures or religiously inspired theological cultures.

http://www.thevedicspectator.com

---

The mysterious goings on in Gaudia Vaisnavism

Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur was a magistrate who worked for the British Raja for some time in his life during the later part of the 19th century. He  was also a  prolific writer and philosopher  in his youthful days . As he grew older, he became more and more drawn to the teachings of Gaudia Vaisnavism and particularly the conclusions that were  presented by Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Mahaprabhu brought new insights into the mysterious and wonderful lives of the Gopies of Vrndavana and  revealed to the world the supreme position of Srimati Radharani.

At first, Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur was puzzled about the great Caitanya Mahāprabhu,  who was known to be a great scholar and Pandit, He was  most definitely a first-class scholar who could, for instance, explain the Srimad Bhagavatam Atmarama verse in 108 ways which astounded all the Vedic intelligentsia. The Thakur thought it , at least initially strange that later in Mahāprabhu’s life , He had  became so  absorbed in meditations and pastimes of Lord Krishna in Vrndavana, those of Sri Sri  Radha Krishna which appeared , at least  externally as being quite  immoral , Srila BR Sridhar Swami tells us .

Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja , the son of Srila Bhaktivinod , himself was once was questioned  by Lord Suthers  , who was a British government minister  in the early part of the 20th century . Lord Suthers made the point in a question, ” That your Lord Krishna appears to be quite immoral. How is it that He is worshipped as God ? ”  Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja gave the perfect answer ……that Lord Krishna’s activities in Vrndavana were a display of the highest morality.

There are two verses in the Srimad Bhagavatam scriptures that need understanding in depth along with their  purpose . When one is able , after much  practice of devotional life and by the causeless mercy of a devotee of Sri Caitanya , understand these two verses  the mysterious nature of Gaudia Vaisnavism may  open up .

First verse is …

CC Madhyama 11.8

niṣkiñcanasya bhagavad-bhajanonmukhasya
pāraṁ paraṁ jigamiṣor bhava-sāgarasya
sandarśanaṁ viṣayiṇām atha yoṣitāṁ ca
hā hanta hanta viṣa-bhakṣaṇato ’py asādhu

Translation

Greatly lamenting, the Lord then informed Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, “ ‘Alas, for a person who is seriously desiring to cross the material ocean and engage in the transcendental loving service of the Lord without material motives, seeing a materialist engaged in sense gratification or seeing a woman who is similarly interested is more abominable than drinking poison willingly.’ ”

Then .

ŚB 10.33.39

vikrīḍitaṁ vraja-vadhūbhir idaṁ ca viṣṇoḥ
śraddhānvito ’nuśṛṇuyād atha varṇayed yaḥ
bhaktiṁ parāṁ bhagavati pratilabhya kāmaṁ
hṛd-rogam āśv apahinoty acireṇa dhīraḥ

Translation

Anyone who faithfully hears or describes the Lord’s playful affairs with the young gopīs of Vṛndāvana will attain the Lord’s pure devotional service. Thus, he will quickly become sober and conquer lust, the disease of the heart.

One should consult the mature Gaudia Vaisnava about these two verses and their mysteries and how the two verses can be reconciled.

It is a fact in current times liberalism has run wild , so practically speaking, how can one properly practice spiritual life in the Western world.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Goswami Maharaja gave several instructions. He would say all the beautiful ladies who are most definitely very attractive in this world have temporarily borrowed plumes from a higher realm  that in this world time eradicates . Such a reflection of an eternal reality finds its perfection in a spiritual plane only .

Ultimately, the Srimad Bhagavatam teaches us  in spiritual life, there are  no voids  but rather everything there  is full of beauty and spiritual varigatedness and that Krishna is  the Supreme Autocrat and He  unlimitedly shares  trancendental bliss and beauty in unlimitedly in numerous ways.

http://www.thevedicspectator.com

---

Once the founder Acarya of ISKCON Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada said of one simple lady who brought Jamuna water to Radha Damodar temple every am . “For this simple service done in love, Krishna has accepted her , she will go back to Godhead.”
When meeting a man who was famous for making beautiful sculptures , the man said , “I will make some beautiful sculpture for Krishna…Prabhupada said immediately, “you can, but Krishna may not accept “
The point here is that it’s not what you do. Rather, be self-satisfied and do it with devotion for the pleasure of Krishna , big or small , no matter . Krishna and His immediate family are your only friends, please them , a self satisfied person has nobody to prove themselves to except them , and such persons  are happy and humble in those services and non envious. By carrying out devotion in such ways under the direction of the pure devotees ones gains affinity to hearing and absorbing oneself in the pastimes of Radha Krishna , the Srimad Bhagavatam tells us , and by grace one begins to enter into such a trancendental atmosphere, within their inner hearts , that is the real secret of the satisfaction of the self . The real self is an associate of Krishna and is a friend of His friends or family . Bhakti yoga is for everyone . krishna will eat a bannana skin if offered with love because you mistakingly threw the bannana fruit in the bin ..
http://www.thevedicspectator.com

The Vedic universe and beyond.

Vedic cosmology

Universal and cultural affairs

The enclosed universe, infinite space, and the accuracy of cosmic calculations .

Many ancient cultures spoke of the universe  being an  enclosed unit  with lower , middle, and upper planetary systems within a “shell ”, this indicates that the original cosmological knowledge of the Vedas , in former times  was  widely distributed .  Worldwide cultures were influenced by its teaching due to the extensive distribution of this type of knowledge.  It was achieved  by ancient trade routes as well as wondering  mendicants  who were wondering Brahminical educators,  as well,  exiled kings forming new kingdoms along with their following would distribute Vedic wisdom and it became adopted in similar ways .

Outside of a universal shell , within which the upper , middle , and lower planetary systems are situated , significant numbers of cultures aligned with Vedic cosmological calculations , they also  demonstrated  regions where  Divinity and His super subjective realms existed but  the laws of material nature didn’t. Those regions were outside the universal shell . Multiple cultures remarkably give similar descriptions of the splendour of  spiritual varigatedness. Extensive and more detailed descriptions are written in both the Sruti and Smriti scriptures of the Vedas they bring a fascinating insight into  the  relationships  and personalities who reside there . Loving exchanges with a  trancendental personalites are described in the Srimad Bhagavatam, Krishna is described as the supreme personality of Godhead, enthralling  and beautiful loving relationships that appear as ever new are given descriptions of .The residents are ever enthusiastic to exchange ever increasing love and emotional pleasures .

The Greeks and later the Arabic cultures including other cultures from the South Americas, all held similar understandings of the cosmological calculations of the Vedas . Thus its quite evident  cultures were intertwined, and evidence for  a much earlier concept of a global world can be thought of .

When the Roman empire  conquered most of  Europe, having  adopted  within their own cultures some aspects of Christianity , blind unscientific religious fanaticism began to develop .  Some or most of the traditional Vedic ways  that the Greeks had adopted in  understanding our universe , along with a  greater scientific approach  to consciousness, began to  decline . This unscientific, fanatical religious doctrine was imposed  on the public by the use of militant and political might . Later , when the  Roman empire came to an end , Christians solely predominanted and scientific thinking outside of  the  misinterpreted bible came to a complete halt .  Fortunately, the old Arabic and Greek texts were still preserved in some places . Mogal empires who were using  mathematics and were taking a less dogmatic approach preserved  some of the  scientific traditions of the  thinking of our universal structures, and it was essentially theological in nature . In India, of course, this Vedic cosmological remained in tact .

The Renaissance period gave a rebirth to science and shunned the early unscientific religious fanatical doctrine. A rethinking of  the universal   order was formed  . Modern geometric systems and euclidean math became the new way of looking at life , so much so , that God was pushed right out the picture, and so was dualism . Scientific materialism was born , meaning the mind and body as a separate unit were discouraged and not taught . The mechanistic Darwinian world had begun, scientific materialism that used  math and mechanistic dogma  , it placed our stars millions of miles away,  and a concept of an infinite space,  with no God outside of a universal shell was developed . This was taught in educational systems. If there were a God , some thought,  it’s  probably an impersonal energy . The idea of a separate mind to matter was written off  because the mind could not be measured , and math could not be applied .

Measurements of the distance of planets in a multidimensional space,  as spoken about by Lisa Randall, the Harvard Prof,  may not be so easy to calculate .   The laws of physics are said in the Vedas to operate differently in different parts of the universe, so what  is far is near ,what is near is far in a multidimensional universe.

The traditional and ancient cosmological cultures, along with their sciences, should not be so  hastily discarded and  rubbished or replaced by scientific materialism , which in itself is an uncalibrated dogma . Scientific materialism can not  account for a mind but rather believes  it to  only be simply neurons firing in a mechanistic mathematical brain . These events are all supposedly happening by chance in a chance universe . This mechanistic view could be said to be  ludicrously absurd and discards the notion of the  intelligence and obvious design in just about everything we see .   Also, it ignores the perfect math in nature , where there is perfect mathematics , you can bet your bottom dollar there is a perfect mathematician behind it .

http://www.thevedicspectator.com

---

---

---

---

Bring good fortune to your family or community

This Srimad Bhagavatam translated and with commentaries of Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is representative of the essence of the teachings of the complete Vedas . Leading scholars worldwide have never before had such access to these teachings  in such broad format, what to speak of the general public .

The word “why” is a very  popular word on Google , indeed, the Vedas indicates , unless the human asks…” Who am I  ?  why do I exist ,  why and how  did existence begin ” , one is  wasting a valuable opportunity,  animals don’t have rational, logic, or  enquiring minds, but they are as conscious as you or I .

William Paley , in 1850 once said anyone  finding a watch walking on a Moor on its examination  would naturally conclude its fine engineering and design is the work of a creative consciousness because of its   intelligent design. Sir Isaac Newton  said that each individual thumb print of human beings is clear evidence for individual design,…The teleological argument of a  deliberate and functional design that’s permeating everything on our planet including the creatures and men who live  remains logically strong , and of course its becoming stronger as scientific research progresses , Not weaker …….The study of the entropy of the cell and the fine tuning of the universe  that Sir Fred Hoyle referred to as  someone monkeying with the universe is the example he gave ….some call it the  goldilocks phenomena  ….,everything is just right , … not too hot or too cold, not  too much gravitational force not too little,  just the right amount of oxygen ….and  certainly the opening of the Srimad Bhagavatam affirms this  supervisory element……the opening sloka declares Divinity is directly and indirectly conscious of every aspect of creation . He  says he is inside and outside the  creation  and it’s his ( vibhutis ) ..or his deliberate energies that are at work….Life comes from life….
The Srimad Bhagavatam  is a series of one to one conversations through time and  with  different dialogue partners  ,  weaving in and out  there are no chronological orders   . It consists of references  to histories and  lessons that can be learned…. either from Divinity Himself or from  His devotees. These are defined as factual events , or illustrative stories emphasising key and important philosophical points .The Bhagavatam also appears  and dissappear in the long course of 311 trillion years , the time span of  this universe .  ….like the sun rising  and setting , wisdom comes and goes in cyclic cycles .
The engineer of this alloted universe  Bramha has 4.5 billion of our years as his 12 hours ..and when  he sleeps a partial shut down of the universe lasting for another  4.5 billion years begins , before he awakens and the  universe regenerates ,  vast parts of the universe remain unaffected.

Lord Krishna Himself is responsible for  societal affairs as well as upholding  the principles of religion ….. 5000 years ago  He was present here on earth , and when He left after completing His purposes ….he left  Vedic wisdom in many forms…actually if one acts justly and fairly life is reasonably fulfilled  automatically , peaceful and progressive  elevation of consciousness takes place …. this being deliberate Vedic synchronicities ,  if one acts against religious principles, one  degrades the  consciousness and will be helplessly entangled  in reactions and sufferings , also Vedic synchronicities.. The method to understanding the Bhagavatam is to hear knowledge  from the truthful person , they will speak about the eternal occupation of the consciousness.  Symptom of the soul is consciousness . Consciousness can be in a place where consciousness can thrive where it is surrounded by pure  conscious energy , and not the deteriating and fluctuating matter made of atomic particals forming elements , molecules and compounds …….The sages  in answer to the question ” What happens to Krishna’ s good advice when he left earth ” was answered by Sukadeva Goswami . “When Krishna leaves  this world, his instructions formulate and take  shape in the form of the Srimad Bhagavatam.”
Everything for mankind is contained within its pages , and the expert person Bhagavat, who understands the Bhagavatam, is able to extract and understand all its mysteries  Progressive steps are chalked out…..for everyone , all types of persons .
It is said that one who does wrong or suffers wrong is wrong . Krishna  favours a good council that brings  justice to all proceedings of administration, without which there is turmoil in society, including the workings of the planet . Today , it’s seen , unnecessary suffering of many many persons and creatures and misguidance on a tumultuous scale are  brought about by so-called leaders who are completely unfit to  lead . Study of the Bhagavatam brings us great security  and wisdom . Wisdom  for everyone, including family members . Wisdom and discernment are essential in life . The understanding  of the history of  science and religion are all essential ingredients to life , otherwise, mistaken ideas develop, leading to misfortune.
Wherever there is Krishna, there is always great fortune and victory.
Krishna lies within all the pages of the Bhagavatam directly or indirectly.

http://www.thevedicspectator.com

---

The whole process of Krishna consciousness is a  transformational one . The  principle is that everything we have , whatever it might be , should be offered in devotion for  the pleasure of Divinity.  How is He pleased ? That’s a very important question,  and how do we know He is pleased is another . It is indicated in the Vedas that God is pleased when we do things out of pure love . So naturally, the next question is,  how can one love God . That question begins to be answered when we know who God is . Before we understand who God is, we must know what God is . We can not merely say God without having any idea of what He is and what specific qualifications and qualities He might have , and how these particular qualities separate Him from every other being throughout the universes. The serious and sincere searcher of the absolute truth will not accept anything like a  sentimentalist , thoughtfulness is the foundation of real development of knowledge in any subjects,  what to speak of God .

A pure person who is actually in knowledge of God and through such knowledge has developed his love beyond merely the greatness of God should be consulted . What are their qualities ? That’s another important question.

You may be pleased to know all the above questions are answered in their fullness within the Vedas , there is not one question that the Vedas could not give answers to ..

We find many ignorant persons say ” there is no God ” , but when we say to them ” what is God ” , and “if their were a God,  how do you think you’re going to know ” …..they are clueless . The “No God ” statement comes from the unthinking and unscientific.

http://www.thevedicspectator.com

We should know this.
The preachers and the Bhajananandis ..if they are strict Vaisnavas are both glorious .
But sometimes the Bhajananandi may find it difficult to comprehend the liberties of the preacher ..
The monks of the Scottish Island of Iona came to the mainland to preach but became a little too absorbed in the adapted process and got too absorbed the wrong way ..
So good preachers must have strong Bhajan , without which they will fail to make the correct impacts .
Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur himself and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaj were perfect examples of strictness and adapted process, which Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada followed.
It’s a fine line …a razors edge ..

Family line ??

Siksa comes by blessings of Sastra sanga as well as through devotees
Trancendental knowledge is never limited.
Thus, Krishna is the Acarya himself.
If a family line Guru from a good authentic line is available and he is pure , take Diksa or Siksa from him , Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur says .
But Krishna is not limited to family lines , The holy names brought by Mahāprabhu wait for no-one, but immediately give their mercy , in some parts , it is said the Holy name is enough…but in general we accept training by association and Bhajana kriya ,anartha nrviti etc etc .
If you have your representative of Diksa Siksa all well and good …
Know though that Mahāprabhu and Nityananda prabhu have inundated the world with the trancendental Holy names , and there are great souls are taking birth to assist Them ..those souls have in themselves previously taken up this process of Krishna consciousness, as Krishna indicates in Gita , automatically they again become attracted…
http://www.thevedicspectator.com

The way of the world….as it should be ..

The businessmen take care of the tradesman and workers . The political administration takes care of the businessmen . The political classes are taken care of by a lifetime kingly person dedicated to all the citizens . The kingly person is taken care of by the intelligentsia who are well versed in all the sciences , including philosophy of science that  incorporate mind , matter, and consciousness . The intelligentsia are taken care of by the previous intelligentsia and the theological , cultural  traditions incorporating  every science and catering for all psychological approaches that persons take in life . Each period of time is adapted to place and circumstance by a current intelligentsia .
Such are the ever well wishing Vedic cultural systems that are forever personally dedicated to all living beings.. They are eternal and stem from Divinity Himself.

Current news ..

Greta Thunberg was not  invited to speak at cop out 30 ..
It’s another cop out ..
Another globalist stunt to fool the world as yet more deadlines are passed , along with failed resolutions .
Unless dualism in real scientific terms is understood as opposed to scientific materialism , and unless  impotent materialistic religion is reinvigorated,  shunning materialism,  the world will continue to move like sophisticated animals . Lemmings running of the cliff to their own destruction, self made exploitative wars and greed led by the conglomerates who control the political classes .
Trickle-down economics never worked and never will .
Exploitation is the current economic model , there is no cooperative spirit or respect . Darwinian economics’ survival of the fittest is in vouge and led by 3rd class men .
http://www.thevedicspectator.com

http://www.thevedicspectator.com