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Re: Sri. Mani's Response to Sankara Response -Reply

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Venkat Nagarajan • July 12, 1999 


Dear Bhagavatas,
namO nArAyaNA.

I have high regards for Sri. Mani's dedication and reverence for our
siddhantham; however, I must point out that Sri. Mani's opinionated stand
is not consistent with an unbounded philosophy.  If one wants to
designate something as being dogmatic, one should be able provide
reasoning, if not the claim itself becomes dogmatic.  

The term evolution (whether it is evolution of thought or species) in
general implies a beginning by default, this contradicts the fundamental
axiom of Vedanta that the process of creation and dissolution is
beginningless and without end.  These two concepts are mutually
exclusive.   A strong rational conviction about an unbounded philosophy 
renders terms such as history and evolution meaningless.
Using Sri. Mani own terminology (used in a previous e-mail) one can label
such an individual as a "purist".  However, the key thing to note is that
the purist's conviction is rational and not dogmatic.     

This key point must be digested before other points can be presented. 
Thus, further points will be presented In the next post.   

Note: I am writing about this issue only because understanding the
implications of unboundedness is important to developing a firm
conviction.

adiyEn rAmAnuja dAsan
Venkat    
krishNArpaNam