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INTRODUCTION
Ivit
“Do you know where men go to from here?” “No Sir.'“Do you know the parting of the ways, one leading to the God and the other to the fathers.” “No Sir.' “Do you know how the yonder world is built up?" "No Sır.' Then the teacher scolds him “Why do you say you were instructed.”
This dialogue is instructive and points out the nature of the topics dealt with and studied in those days. The study of the traditional type was confined to the Vedas and Vedic rituals Besides this traditional course there was the characteristic interest of the age centering round the philosophical studies as to the nature of the self It was the latter which was prized and coveted by the scholars of the age. Of course the dialogue ends with the boy returning to his father to ascertain the answer to the above questions. The father also had to confess his ignorance. The lad and his father returned to the king for the information. Then Gautama went to Janaka's court when the king offered him proper respect. In the morning the king went up to the assembly and announced. “Ask of me such a boon as men desire.” Gautama replied “Such things as men possess may remain with you Sır. Tell me the speech which you addressed to the boy.” The king was perplexed and said “Wait a while." Then the king said “As to what you have said to me” “Oh Gautama, this knowledge did never yet come to any Brahman before you and in all the world the truth belonged to Kshatriyas only.' Two points may be noticed from this interesting dialogue. (I) The new thought, the knowledge of the atman was considered to be richer than the richest possession in all the worla. (2) It originated among the Kshatriyas and was preserved as a secret doctrine for some time. The very same fact is emphasised in another section of the same chapter. Five great theologians held a great discussion as to what is Self and what is Brahman. After a few days, deliberation they go to a great scholar Uddalaka who is reputed to be in possession of the knowledge of the self. But the great scholar promises to enlighten them on the matter and asks them to accompany him. He takes them to a king
| SR No. | 011119 |
| Book Title | Samayasara OR Nature of Self |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | A Chakravarti |
| Publisher | Bharatiya Gyanpith |
| Publication Year | 1950 |
| Total Pages | 406 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 38 MB |