[Advaita-l] 'aham brahmasmi' in Bhagavatam

[Venkatesh Murthy]

Namaste

On Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 1:52 AM, piyali palit <piyali_ju at yahoo.co.in> wrote:
> Namaste Venkatashaji.
>
> I feel there is a gap of communication between us. What I tried to say is that 'Ishvara' or 'Saguna Brahman' plays a very
> important role in Advaita Vedanta also, specially in the context of
> creation of the world. You didn't reply my queries made from that point.
>

Saguna Brahma plays  important role in creation of the Universe. Adi
Sankara argues against Sankhya saying it is not Pradhana but Saguna
Brahma.  But the Universe is illusion. Adi Sankara accepts this. If
the illusion is gone Nirguna Brahma is left. This is Sat Cit Ananda
only without qualities and activities. I believe Gaudiyas cannot
accept  this. They think Saguna Brahma will continue his activities
for ever after.

Maya for Advaita is different  Maya for Gaudiyas is different. They
say if a thing is seen in itself it is Maya.  But if it is seen
related to Krishna it is real. Krishna continues his activities
explained in Bhagavata for ever. There will never be Krishna's absence
and his activities. Never.  Correct me if wrong.

>
>
> Did I ever say that Adi Shankara placed 'Saguna Brahman' over 'Nirguna' -
>  never. But I felt sorry to find that you are emphasizing on this
> discussion group for Advaita only; it's true that this is a Advaita
> Vedanta group; does it mean that no one can place question for
> justification or clarification here? Adi Shankara himslef showed us the
> way of mutual discussion with respect to everybody. How could you forget
>  that ?
>

We must respect all. Correct.

>
>
> I quoted 'Krama-sandarva' with an intention that even the Gaudiya-s
> accepted Maya on the basis of the verse from Shrimadbhagavatam while
> Advaitavadins have always been addressed as 'mayavadin' by others.
>

But the Gaudiya Maya may not be same as Advaita Maya.



>
>
> One more thing, when you speak as 'we advaitins', should you
> differentiate in Brahman as a 'higher/highest' one and a 'lower one' ?
> It is practically a matter of context or perspective without accepting
> any change or discrimination in the Reality. Otherwise you are bound to
> fell into trap of duality (using comparative degree) or plurality (using
>  superlative degree). I request you just to rethink.
>

There is one Brahman only but for creation of Universe that Brahman
appears as Saguna Brahman. But the Universe is illusion. How can
Duality be there?

Question - Can Saguna Brahma continue his activities like creation
protection dissolution,  Krishna Leela for ever?

Advaiti says No. After you get Moksha Saguna Brahma is absent.

I think Gaudiya says Yes, after Moksha Jeeva enjoys these activties
with Saguna Brahma.  Correct me if wrong.

-- 
Regards

-Venkatesh