what is the minimum?

[Steve Wray]

Thanks, this is a really interesting reply,
but I wonder if it would be possible to give
a translation of some of the terms used?

I'll point out some of the areas of particular
interest to me among the quoting with some snipping;

> -----Original Message-----
> From: List for advaita vedanta as taught by Shri Shankara
> [mailto:ADVAITA-L at LISTS.ADVAITA-VEDANTA.ORG] On Behalf Of
> Ravisankar Mayavaram
> Sent: Tuesday, 19 November 2002 08:52
> To: ADVAITA-L at LISTS.ADVAITA-VEDANTA.ORG
> Subject: Re: what is the minimum?
>
>
> On Sat, 16 Nov 2002 10:21:38 +1300, Steve Wray
> <steve.wray at PARADISE.NET.NZ>
> wrote:
[snip]
> a. Source of this knowledge is vedAnta. Hence, you have to
> study vedAnta and understand it. Then accept its view point,
> based on your analysis and understanding.

Unguided study of vedanta counts? Reading translated Upanisads etc?

[snip]
> 3. Can some one claim that they accept advaita vedAnta and
> follow whatever theistic system they do (for attaining chitta
> suddhi)? Yes.
> As long as your religion does not conflict with advaita-vedAnta.
> Most popular ones including christianity and islam do have
> things that object it.

I have studied the Chinese philosophy/religion Taoism and
so far as I can tell, the concepts of Tao and Dharma are
very closely related.

I'd be interested in comments on this connection from other
members of the list!

> Also you should remember that one has to practice vaidika karma
> maarga, if one is not a sannyAsin.

Please translate "vaidika karma maarga"
Thanks!


> ii) One can assume that his status is shuudra or even outcast
> (believe it is a blessing in disguise). Then one has no specific
> karma to follow.

What does "shuudra" mean?

[snip]
> Life will be simple and quiet. And specifically do not waste
> time on topics such as who is a brahmaNa and who is not?

what is a "brahmaNa"?