Arya Samaj

Shyena · Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2006 5:26 pm Post subject:

Namaste,
I agree about the 'cannot' part but I wont accept 'should not'. If there's the oldest scripture, then it should be observed for:
1)Its venerable image
2)Its consistency
3)Harmony with modern[as in broad minded] ideology

If a recent scripture, the last two points plus its contribution to the society should be critically examined, unless it is meant as a complimenting canon to another accepted scripture. There are also scriptures which can be interpreted independently, as well as in a complimentary fashion. My personal belief which I've already explained in the 'muslims join da vinci criticism' thread that god reveals based upon the requirement of that time. On this basis, the first men being not subject to any dogmas or societal suppression, if exposed to true knowledge, become the greatest of the lot. This is why vedas, which were revealed at start of humanity, are the most authentic scriptures. However none of these will directly lead to salvation - only realisation does.
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Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam meditate

Namaste

Shishya · Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 2:49 pm Post subject:

Namaste,

Good question, Dev.

It follows from a consideration of God's nature that He is both infinitely just and infinitely merciful. This being the case, it is necessary that His revelation, as it contains that knowledge which is required for the attainment of the good, be present from the beginning of creation. If it had not been present from the beginning, then there would have been a portion of humanity which would have been deprived of even the possibility of God's wisdom and guidance - and thus, of the attainment of the good - which would conflict with the nature of the Divine.

In light of these considerations, it becomes unnecessary for God to reveal anything subsequent to His original revelation. There may be elucidations undertaken by Rishis in order to compensate for the level of intelligence in a particular generation, but these elucidations are the work of men and not the Word of God.

Therefore, I agree with the statement presented above.
_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads

Shyena · Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 3:19 pm Post subject:

Oops, didn't notice the 'god's revelation' part. In that case I agree...
_________________

Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam meditate

Namaste

Devo · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 8:50 pm Post subject:

Namaste,

Thanks for your responses, guys.

If we can make people realise the true meaning of that quotation, and the explanation Shishya gave, I'm pretty sure we will open a few eyes to the Wisdom of Ved Maa.

Mitra · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:06 pm Post subject:

Namaste ,
What is the response to the argument by some that maybe the oldest revelations need to be updated every once in awhile.
I know the vedas are universal, in all days and ages and situations and its very nature as the true divine and the Absolute knowledge makes it always relevant. But the people of other religions and even Hindus consider that their scriptures (incl Geeta) are like refresher courses , easier to understand and more relevant to the present day.
That is the argument? held by some people I discussed this with.

Mitra
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Namaste
Manurbhava

Shishya · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:21 pm Post subject:

Namaste Mitra,

Fundamentally, the argument is based on a kernel of truth. The Vedas and the Wisdom they contain need to be learned from a qualified teacher if they are to be understood in modern times. The teacher acts as a medium between the ancient and highly complex Vedas and the student living in the world of today. Without the medium of a qualified teacher, the Vedas are very easy to misinterpret, as has been proven time and time again.

However, as Swamiji Virajananda pointed out, error and sectarianism creeps in when the teachings of the guru become more important than the Vedas themselves in the eyes of the students and future generations. The words of a teacher get recorded in some book in one way or another, and soon people are saying that this or that book by their guru is all one needs and can ignore the Vedas. They have forgotten that the teachings of the guru are formulated specifically for the present situation of his student so as to have the greatest impact on him or her personally. They are not valid for all people at all times. Such things can only be said of the Vedas. And that is how sects start and the path towards adharma begins.

A true Vedic guru teaches only based on the authority of the writings of the great Rishis of the past, helping his students understand their meanings.
_________________
Namaste,

Shishya
ॐ

ॐ सह नावतु । सह तौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
"Together may we be protected. Together may we be profited. Together may we do a hero's work. May we learn intelligently. May we never hate one another."
-Brihadaranyaka & Taittiriya Upanishads