Summary
Refutation of this understanding fails due to logical inconsistencies
We continue the series on Upadesa Sahasri, the immortal classic by Sankara and the quintessence of Upanishads, based on talks given by Swami Paramatmananda, a reputed teacher and disciple of Swami Dayananda Sarasvati.
This month’s issue deals with the brief third chapter of the work on the logical fallacies (doshas) to be contended with if we do not accept the revelation of the scriptures that Brahman is the very Self (Atman).
The brief third chapter is titled Isvara Atma Prakarnam. Sankaracharya elaborately establishes how in the event that Brahman is taken to be different from Atman (Self), several defects (doshas) will arise in the form of logical contradictions. The author adduces four such defects, each verse touching upon one defect.
The first defect will be that, looking at the Brahman as different from Atman (Self) will involve a contradiction of the Upanishadic revelation contained in what are known as Mahavakyas which declare the oneness of Brahman and Atman (such as Tat Tvam Asi, Aham Brahmasmi, Prajnanam Brahma and Ayamatma Brahma).
The second defect dealt with in the second verse, refers to the elaborate description of Brahman and its glory.
