Dear Jayamohan,
I have been watching your philosophy and Vedanta videos. For the past 20 years, I have taken Vedanta classes from various teachers. However, their responses to our questions frequently fall short of our expectations. They typically choose texts like the Gita or Brahma Sutra and examine them for detailed explanations.
It seems that when they analyze a sutra with just three or four words, the more meaning they can extract, the more esteemed they feel. Consequently, they focus on one word and elaborate extensively on whatever thoughts come to mind. They rarely consider whether we can actually retain such elaborate explanations. Even after hours of discussion, we often discover ourselves confused and unable to remember the key points.
When scholars write and discuss Vedanta, they often provide detailed personal messages and references from unrelated texts, leading to confusion about the original source. This situation implies that learning Vedic Vedanta in a traditional manner has become increasingly difficult. Many contemporary scholars focus solely on reciting the Pada and Pozhipura without effectively connecting Vedanta to Indian life.
While Vedanta is rooted in pure knowledge, many scholars intertwine it with devotion. Regardless of their arguments claiming that Brahman is God, this does not align with true Vedanta. Devotion relies on faith, which leaves little room for logic. In contrast, Vedanta is fundamentally logical. However, this logic is not merely worldly; it can be described as universal logic. One cannot grasp Vedanta without understanding this abstract logic. Unfortunately, when discussions shift to the worship of God as derived from texts, this subtle logic tends to fade away.
As far as I know, there is no Vedanta education available anywhere in Tamil Nadu. I don’t know if it is offered elsewhere. In my inquiries across various places, I have found that devotion seems to be the primary focus. However, devotion does not feel suitable for someone new like me. Surrender does not come naturally to me, which is why I am drawn to Vedanta. It appears that those who seek Vedanta are often directed toward devotion instead.
Do you offer Vedanta teachings without the emphasis on devotion? Are there any classes available for that?
Abhay Murali
