Acarya Haribhadras Comparative Studies in Yoga

Author(s): Nathmal Tatia
Publisher: Z_Vijay_Vallabh_suri_Smarak_Granth_012060.pdf

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ACĂRYA VIJAYAVALLABHASÚRI COMMEMORATION VOLUME
vedyapada is to be transcended by means of the companionship of the virtuous and the study of the scriptures.61 One makes various conjectures about truth until one sees it face to face. This leads to a number of speculative systems based on fallacious logic (kutarka).62 Haribhadra, in conformity with our ancient tradition asks us to realize the truth by means of all these three organs, viz., the scripture, the logical argument, and the practice of yoga. One must utilize the store of knowledge inherited from one's ancestors, one's own logical understanding, and the vision gained by spiritual discipline and culture for the ascertainment of truth.63 The truth is one. It cannot be many. There is only the difference of terminology.64 The state of final realization is known as sadāśiva in one system, as parabrahman in another, as siddhātman in the third, and as tathată in yet another system.65 There can be no controversy when the truth has been realized.88 If it is a fact that those who have revealed the truth have realized it, then there is no reason why there should be controversy among them. The various revelations therefore are to be understood in their relevant contexts. They can in no way be considered as false assertions. The enlightened souls have revealed the truth in accordance with the needs of the spiritual aspirants.67 The selfsame revelation appears as different to different persons.68 It is necessary to understand a revelation in its proper context. One should cultivate faith in spiritual revelations. This is most necessary for spiritual progress. This faith is wanting in all the four drstis described above. It is only when the soul has properly cultivated this faith that it cuts the knot (granthi) and comes to possess the fifth drsti known as sthiră.
The soul has now cut the knot. The enlightenment has now dawned. It is now infallible (nitya). The soul is now capable of subtle thinking and sinless conduct. It now looks upon the worldly things as the toys made of sand. The world now appears to be a worthless show.60
Next we come to the sixth drsti known as käntā. Here the individual
61. Ibid., 85. 62. Cf. Ibid., 90-8. 63. Ibid., 101. 64. Ibid., 127. 65. Ibid., 128. 66. Ibid., 130. 67. Ibid., 132-3. 68. Ibid., 134. 69. Ibid., 152-4.