The Direction of this Blog
Sunday, 14. September 2008 - 11:28 PM
After about seven years of almost nonstop blogging, I have reached a decisive turn. I won’t stop this blog or anything. I’ll continue being rude but much less often.
However, I’ve decided to turn to studying more in depth, and writing on the philosophical concepts that shaped Indian thought. This includes everything from Vedanta to art to society to politics. My guiding light comes from this most poignant verse from Sri Sureshvaracharya, one of Adi Shankara’s direct disciples.
Na Khyaati Laabha Poojartham Granthosmaabhirudeeyate|
Swabodhaparishudhyartham Brahmavinnikaashmasu||
I write not for fame or gain. I write to clarify my own education against the yardstick of the ones Realized in the Ultimate Knowledge.
This is a very unsatisfactory translation but the key word here is Swabodhaparishudhyartham, which doesn’t render itself to easy translation in English. Perhaps a spilt of the compound word might help us appreciate this better.
Swabodha=self-discourse/learning
Parishudhyartham=for the purpose of attaining the purity of
Who knows, I might even change the title of this blog.
15. September 2008 - 8:04 AM
Being rude – almost anyone can do it, but writing about Vedanta – there are very few.
Welcome Sri Sureshvaracharya.
15. September 2008 - 9:20 AM
Perhaps two different blogs might do the trick… for the the knowledge of the Self and the other for the knowledge of others (i.e., news).
But I myself am highly interested in learning more about Vedanta, Geeta, and Sri Adi Sankara’s teachings. Hopefully, you might start from the basics and definitions to help out novices like me.
15. September 2008 - 9:30 AM
Thats good news!
Looking forward to your posts
15. September 2008 - 12:50 PM
JK,
Thank you!
Kedar,
Two different blogs is high maintenance.
Sharada,
Thanks!
15. September 2008 - 2:31 PM
Sandeep,
Over the years, it has been a pleasure reading your blog. I look forward to reading more.
16. September 2008 - 1:33 AM
I congratulate you on the new direction you have taken. I hope you will include Hindu and Buddhist iconography in your writing – I am not much given to philosophical discourse, but I love when these ideas are concrete-ised in religious icons. That manifestation of philosophy in art is very sublime and exciting
16. September 2008 - 10:34 AM
I like the new direction this blog is taking and look forward to reading your posts.
16. September 2008 - 2:16 PM
I am looking forward to see what you have to write about Music.
About Hindustani-Karnatik schools etc. Earlier, you had promised to write something on music.
16. September 2008 - 10:43 PM
http://www.sikhchic.com/article-detail.php?id=585&cat=18
16. September 2008 - 10:52 PM
JK,
Thanks, but I recall reading this already although I might be mistaken.
16. September 2008 - 11:17 PM
You had promised to write on the myths about the shape of shiv lingam
17. September 2008 - 7:34 PM
My last three attempts to post here did not succeed. Trying again..
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/
check EBOOKS link
18. September 2008 - 3:20 PM
Sandeep: We will miss your incisive commentary on political affairs…
18. September 2008 - 5:08 PM
Shantanu,
I also said I’ll continue being rude.
18. September 2008 - 9:02 PM
Another useful link:
http://rkmath.org/articles
(I noticed that this blog won’t allow multiple links in a single post)
Swami Vivekananda makes some politically incorrect statements that won’t win him Jnanpeeth award. (Unlike U R Ananthamurthy, Girish Karnad or that ultimate Hindu hater, Kamala Suraiya)
20. September 2008 - 3:41 PM
please post details of the books you are reading for vedanta and philosophy.
20. September 2008 - 7:34 PM
I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta
http://www.amazon.com/I-Am-That-Talks-Nisargadatta/dp/0893860220
Please read the reviews before you buy. Advaita is not for everyone. We need some spiritual preparation before we get there.
“If you’re ever looking for all the wisdown contained in the great spiritual traditions condensed and explained clearly in volume, this book is a great place to go to. ” – A reviewer on Amazon.com.