Lord Krishna Forum - Krishna Talk

sridatta1 · Joined: 03 Aug 2005 Posts: 652 Location: india

Twist given by Shankara in His philosophy

Shri Lakshman asked Swami to explain the reason for the twist given by Shankara in His philosophy because of which only the differences in the interpretations of the scriptures arose.

Swami replied: If you understand the background of Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhva and also the different atmospheres of devotees existed over a span of time, the differences in the philosophies can be realized and the unity in the entire program can be perfectly appreciated. Before the arrival of Shankara, the Purvamimamsakas were very ambitious for the heavenly pleasures and were doing the rituals to attain heaven. Ambition is the result of excess of Rajas (Rajasolobhaevacha…). The inherent effect of Rajas is also ego. The atmosphere was worst atheism full of ambition and ego. Whenever the soul is to be diverted to the right path, your initial philosophy should be in such a way that it suits to his nature. In course of time only you can divert him slowly to the right path. If you want to control the habit of drinking of a person, first you must become his friend in the bar. Slowly, after the full development of friendship, you can advise him about the defects of the wine. He will hear you based on the friendship. When a bull is running with high speed, you have to catch it and run along with it for some time. The bull feels that you are a friendly runner along with it. It will have a positive attitude towards you. Then you can control the bull.