bhakti

[K Kathirasan NCS]

Namaste SVSji

Well said. Regards.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Subrahmanian, Sundararaman V [IT]
> [SMTP:sundararaman.v.subrahmanian at CITIGROUP.COM]
> Sent: Friday, June 14, 2002 1:19 AM
> To:   ADVAITA-L at LISTS.ADVAITA-VEDANTA.ORG
> Subject:      Re: bhakti
>
> Ms. SS,
>
> I think the usage of the word jnAna is getting a little confusing in your
> mail.  I will explain what I know:
>
> mA in Sankrit means knowledge, knowledge of anything - apple, pen,
> calculus,
> poetry etc.  The prefix "pra" accentuates the noun it precedes.  So the
> word
> pramA means knowledge.  For knowledge to happen there have to be three
> entities: pramAta (knower), pramEya (known) and pramANa (means of
> knowledge).  When all three are in alignment, then pramA takes place in
> other words knowledge or jnAna takes place.
>
> Example:  You have pen in hand (object to be known), eyes are open (means
> of
> sensing color/form) and the mind is attentive (knower), then the knowledge
> of the presence of pen happens.
>
> In brahmavidya, pramAta and the pramEya are the same - one's Self.  Sruti
> is
> the pramANa.  So if the Sruti is understood properly then pramAta and
> pramEya will be known to be the same.  If it is not understood properly,
> pramEya will seem to be something different than pramAta ie., brahman as
> something different from one's self - which is ignorance ie., jnAna has
> not
> taken place.
>
> Regards,
> SVS
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stephanie Stean [mailto:cerebral_rose at MAC.COM]
> Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2002 12:28 PM
> To: ADVAITA-L at LISTS.ADVAITA-VEDANTA.ORG
> Subject: Re: bhakti
>
>
> SVS:
>
> >Probably what you are trying to differentiate is
>
> >1. Knowledge of brahman
> >2. Knowledge of brahman as an object
>
> Yes, this is what I'm differentiating.  But also something more;
> knowledge of Brahman is a process, usually pursued by the paths of jnana
> yoga, bhakti yoga, karma yoga.
>
> But Knowledge of Brahman (like you mentioned below) is Understanding.
>
> >(1) is the knowledge that is traditionally called moksha as it frees us
> from
> >our limitations.  This comes from understanding the true meaning of
> >mahAvAkyas that you are brahman.  Nothing short of it.
>
> So, jnana signifies three types of knowledge?  Or ways of knowledge,
> correct?
>
> First two:
>
> >1. Knowledge of brahman
> >2. Knowledge of brahman as an object
>
>  But it also signifies the process of knowing (again, through whatever
> path).  Is this correct?
>
> I hope my questions and comments are clear.  Let me know if I need to
> clarify, please.
>
> And I'll take a look at the website.  Thanks for suggesting it.
>
> Take care,
> Stephanie