As the heading suggests, the discussion will focus on the civilizational or Indian method of research and its application in various fields of academic research.
The anekāṃtavāda and its need:-
There are various dimensions of observing the input received through the sense organs. The process of observation to conclusion goes through several layers, sub-layers and for the same person, it doesn't remain the same every time. Usually, the problem of analysing a problem remains a problem in research. The realized reality often misleads a person if various dimensions are overlooked, ignored, rejected or misinterpreted. The input received via sense organs comes under the domain of information and knowledge, both. The process of determining reality is complex and cannot be fully captured by a single, absolute perspective. It encourages understanding and conducting research by allowing work on various dimensions or layers of the input, taken as reality. The word, anekāṃtavāda itself points towards that where, for example, few blind persons tried to define an elephant on the basis of the part they touched. And their replies were from fan, rope, snake, wall and pillar. A wise man solved the chaos. Also known as, the Kevali (the omniscient being) who understands the circumstantial truth.
Is that level reachable? Give reasons for your answer.
There is no independent meaning of any word or single interpretation of any input received by the sense organs and everything depends on the requirement of the time and place. A truth inquirer can reach that level by following the proper process of research.
The need:-
1 The purpose of the research must be
crystal clear.
2 Every information is not knowledge.
3 Depending on case to case,a Knowledge
needs to be updated.
4 Research done under any pressure will
avoid those dimensions which are
opposing the ideology of the sponsor or
of the researcher or both.
5 Do not claim the outcome as the final
thing.
What is circumstantial truth?
The interpretation of truth changes according to the time and place.
How does Advait Vedant help in this case?
Advait Vedant (non-dualism, oneness) helps in reaching the conclusion by removing the attachment towards preoccupied notions (STM,LTM), upbringing, and sponsored interpretations.
Advait Vedant and anekāṃtavāda are metaphysical conceots. How can they help in the research of other subjects?
Take the case of potato:- A common agro product- can easily adjust and accommodate with all the vegetables. Every combination denotes a layer of transactional or situational reality. On the basis of the requirements every layer is real at a given period of time and place. It denotes anekāṃtavād. On other hand, the potato can be used individually in preparing various things. The individual use of potato denotes Advait Vedant.
In the case of other subjects, researcher goes through number of resources and comes face to face with the different layers of reality as being established by the scholars of the particular field. In the process of analysing the concerned researcher starts summarising and present one's own analysis. The state of analysing and presentation denotes Advait Vedant where the research is really a search of truth regarding the concerned problem. And there is no monopoly of metaphysics in this case.
What are techniques related with Advait vedant?
There are three techniques or steps or formulas to analyse a given situation or a case or a scripture. Just topic has been dealt in a separate post whose link will be shared at the end.
When you talk about Advait Vedant, it is related with the upanishads then on which ground it matches with other subjects?
The contextual meaning of the word Vedant means the end of ignorance. And this ignorance is related with the transactional reality also so it is essential to remove that.
Does the Ved permit this?
The root of the word ved is vid which has got 5 meanings. In an unified way they talk about knowing (not simply believing) awareness (about own existence without any attributes), study, reasoning, experience, and meditation. Ved isn't a book and authoritative in nature. For details the link of a book will be given.
When people talk about shruti Yukti and Anubhuti then what is the classical meaning of Shruti?
The word shruti means study only. Due to missreading the meaning is taken as ved and the total concept of study collapses by taking ved as book.
Advait Vedant talks about oneness but the Sūtras & Smṛtis have created number of divisions in the social framework. Is Advaita Vedanta irrelevant to social justice?
The scriptures of lower order do not have the final say regarding social issues. In fact, Advait Vedant is totally practical and applicable in maintaining the harmony in the society. Unfortunately the books of lower order were projected as unchangeable and the society was more familiar with them in compared to the teachings of the scriptures of higher order. The other hand the three techniques given by the Rishi's of vedic age to judge the authenticity of any scripture or commentary or any other form of presentation was totally ignored to exercise the control over the masses. Therefore, when invaders came and started ruling India, they added fuel to the fire.
There are so many methods of research mentioned in the ancient texts so how to choose any one of them?
1 The topic of research.
2 Getting hold of resources.
3 If study material isn't available
or not reliable or both, do not try shruti,
yukti and Anubhuti.
Does Advaita Vedanta embrace a form of idealism? What about anekāṃtavāda?
Yes, asserting that ultimate reality is pure consciousness (Brahman) and that the physical, material world is an illusion. The anekāṃtavāda believes in pluralistic realism.
What is your message for the researchers who are not familiar with Sanskrit?
They must use the formulas as and when required. It will be more comfortable if they use two or more methods to accomplish their target. In the last but not least, contemplation on the topic is essential.
Just say one difference between the Western and Indian methodology?
The Indian system is meant for internal and external healing or managing hearty-intellect. Instead of enforcing its conclusion it gives the liberty to accept or reject.
Reference for further reading:-
For analysis of study ,reasoning and experience-
Mind's eye: (Chaitanya A)
Ebook(2019) https://a.co/d/0cI4uzpC
Paperback(3025) https://a.co/d/061iEZ5u
Three formulas used in Advait vedant-
https://akshaygroundreality.blogspot.com/2016/10/upanishads-investigation-2.html
