What ultimately exists?
In the previous article, we discussed “panentheism” and in this article, we will discuss the philosophical idea – “absolutism”.
In our ever-changing world, we often yearn for something permanent, something that transcends the flux of time and existence. Philosophical absolutism proposes that such an absolute reality exists, a reality that is independent of the material world and its fleeting phenomena.
Laws of physics, like gravity, are often seen as absolute truths that apply universally. Similarly mathematical principles, like the Pythagorean theorem, are considered absolute and unchanging.
In this article, we will discuss the idea of “absolutism” from Vedic perspective.
Vedic pluralism:
Diversity of existence: “Vedic pluralism” suggests that while there are fundamental, eternal truths within Vedic philosophy, these truths are diverse, distinct and innumerable. This idea highlights the inherent multiplicity and richness within the Vedic tradition. For example, individual souls are considered endless and at the advent of creation, a tiny fraction of them come in to contact with the physical world. Each individual soul is considered distinct from each other and also distinct from the material world & the supreme.
Classification: Vedic pluralism celebrates the diversity within the Vedic tradition while classifying the entities into three broad categories: Jagat (matter), Jeeva (individual consciousness) and Brahman (supreme consciousness). This classification gives us a basic foundation and allows us to discern the truth from the basic level. Vedic pluralism emphasizes that the path to truth is not singular but multifaceted, allowing individuals to explore and discover what resonates most deeply with them.
Vedic Perspective on Absolutism
The Vedic tradition offers a nuanced perspective on the nature of reality. It recognizes the existence of three absolute and fundamental principles:
Jagat (Matter): The material world, comprising the physical universe and its elements.
Jeeva (Individual Consciousness): The individual souls or consciousnesses that inhabit the material world.
Brahman (Supreme Consciousness): The ultimate reality, the source of all existence.
While these principles are eternal and absolute, they are also diverse and innumerable.
The Interplay of the Absolute
These three absolute principles interact with each other to create the phenomenal world.
Brahman: The supreme consciousness, manifests as the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe. Brahman also manifest into endless forms for granting forms to the material world. It is the supreme consciousness that triggers the expansion of “matter” into endless forms. Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the source of all qualities and characteristics found in countless number of individual souls (Jeevatma). These qualities, like intelligence, consciousness, and bliss, are reflections of Brahman’s own nature. Since Brahman resides within every Jeevatma, it enhances and empowers these inherent qualities.
Jeevas: The countless individual souls, interact with the material world, experiencing pleasure, pain, and suffering. Just as the moon reflects the sun’s light, the qualities of the Jeevatma (like consciousness) are reflections of Brahman’s own inherent nature. These qualities are manifested in Jeevatma in course of its spiritual journey. The universe and all its phenomena are considered a divine play of Brahman. The unfolding of individual consciousness and the journey of the Jeevatma towards liberation are also part of this cosmic play.
Jagat: the material world, provides the stage for the cosmic drama to unfold. Brahman, as the supreme consciousness, initiates the process of creation via Virinchi. At the advent of creation, the nature explodes into an endless spectrum of material existence. Brahman in its own form as Vishnu, acts as the sustainer, ensuring the continued existence and functioning of the universe. Brahman also embodies the principle of destruction or transformation carried out via Rudra. This aspect is essential for the cyclical nature of “Jagat”, allowing for renewal and the dissolution of old forms to make way for new ones.
Major difference in Vedanta:
Advaita: Advaita Vedanta, propose that the ultimate reality is non-dual, meaning that all distinctions between the individual soul, the material world, and the supreme soul are illusory. Advaita, founded by Sri Shankaracharya, posits that the ultimate reality is Brahman, a non-dualistic absolute consciousness. Hence, it considers only “Brahman” as absolute.
Tattva-vada: However, all other Vedic schools of thought – specially Tattva-vada, maintain the distinction between the individual soul, the material world, and the supreme soul, while also recognizing their interconnectedness. As explained by Sri Madhvacharya, Tattva-vada emphasizes the distinction between the three entities – the individual soul material world and the supreme consciousness. Hence it consider all the three entities as absolute.
The take-away:
– By understanding the nature of reality as described in the Vedic tradition, we can deepen our spiritual practice.
– One can start their spiritual practice by observing the phenomenal world which is plural in nature. With this basic knowledge, further enquiry shall be made with a neutral perspective and the all the teachings in the Vedic tradition shall be studied impartially. This allows Sadhaka to meditate upon diverse aspect of Vedic wisdom and ultimately the truth is revealed at the subjective level within oneself.
– Bhakti, or devotion, is a powerful path to spiritual realization that involves cultivating love and devotion for the divine. By recognizing the absolute nature of Brahman and the eternal nature of the soul, we can connect with the divine and experience the ultimate reality. This is the key to liberation.
In the next article, we will discuss the philosophical idea “Abstractionism”.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
