message to my friends

[Prashant Sharma]

On Wed, 12 Aug 1998, f. maiello wrote:

>
> Therefore, the jiva, along with its world- and God-
> conception are considered real manifestations of
> brahman *unless* regarded as separate and distinct
> from brahman.  This is, to me, the definitive
> message of advaita vedanta.  Others may see it
> differently.  The point is, whatever works insofar
> as the practical release of the ego's delusionary
> bandha, is what really matters.  In this regard, the
> paths of bhakti and karma yoga can accomplish the
> same thing.  Where, in this light (as I indicated to
> Vidyasankar), I consider all of this a temporal
> strategy, simply because, firstly, other margas and
> sadhanas can get one there just as well, without the
> ideas and theories of advaita;

        Just how does one know that there is a "there" without advaita
vedAnta telling so?

> and, secondly, if/when
> finally and consciously abiding in the Self, the
> sadhu's "experience" therein is likened to a buddhic
> "white-out," where all conceptions, theories, and
> even ideals are meager and fractional modalities and
> involvements, with no more value than pesky insects
> in the Garden of Bliss.
>
> As Buddha said, "Upon reaching the other shore,
> why then carry the raft on your back?"
>
        Why then did Buddha expound a philosophy and thus (in your way of
putting it) carry the raft on his back?

>
> OM shaanthi shaanthi shaanthiH
>

Regards,
Prashant.