True Knowledge is Self Knowledge (March 2022 Newsletter)
Most yoga classes address the oneness of all things and the non-separation of the subject that is me, from an object which is the other. In Yoga philosophy (Raja Yoga) all the ancient texts say there is only the One, unchanging and infinite. There is nothing apart from that which is the Ultimate or Brahman. All the things we see, hear, feel, experience is part of a changing and impermanent world that is not real. How can we know that this is so, and why should we believe it?
Advaita (non-duality) philosophy as this is called, is based on ancient classical texts, and argues that each person must discover this truth for themselves. It assumes nothing. It teaches you nothing. It expects you to follow no one, nor accept anything because you have been so directed.
The Nyaya school accepted four legitimate ways of obtaining valid knowledge. Six natural ways of knowing are accepted as valid means of knowledge (pramāṅa): perception (pratyakṣa), inference (anumāna), verbal testimony (śabda), comparison (upamana), postulates (arthapatti) and non-apprehension (anupalabdhi).
(See Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1.7.)
The only one we need to consider is pramāṅa. Pramāṅas or the sources of true knowledge do not contradict each other and each of them presents a distinct kind of knowledge. Explore on your own the philosophies of the world and you will find they all agree on basic truths.
Inference and the other means of knowledge cannot reveal the truth of Brahman on their own. How can ‘inference’ be logical or scientific
Advaita recognizes that in addition to Śruti (revelation) it requires yukti (reason) and anubhava (personal experience) to perceive true knowledge and actualize knowledge of Brahman.
The reason for this serious article is to make you see that meditation is not simply closing your eyes and listening to nature sounds or having someone guide you through a meditation. It is work that needs to happen each day on one’s own. We invite you to check out two workshops on Transcendental Meditation or Mantra/Japa meditation. The term ‘Transcendental Meditation’ was popularized by the Beetles. Why don’t you try it too? It’s simple, focused and calming even if the yogic concepts are too esoteric.
Namaste,
sipra