Summary:

Vedanta is a means of knowledge. Not a philosophy or “School of thought”. Definition of Vedanta (veda + anta). Three texts of Vedanta.  What kind of text is Tattva Bodha?

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Introduction to Tattva Bodha:

Tattvabodha is name of text we're studying. It is preliminary or foundational text of Vedanta.

Consider this: Basic arithmetic is essential for all mathematical operations, just as learning to walk precedes running a triathlon. In language, mastering fundamental vocabulary is the key to communication. Interestingly, even billionaires use less than 2% of their language's total vocabulary, yet they successfully influence millions and conduct complex business transactions.

This shows nothing of solid and lasting value can be achieved without first mastering the fundamentals.

What does Vedanta mean? It has 2 words: veda & anta. What are they?…

Definition of “Veda”:

Every word has a root/core/essence behind it. For example, Greek root word “archy” (government), makes up:

• • Anarchy: absence of government rule.
  • Monoarchy: state ruled by single government.
  • Hierarchy: government in rank.

What is root of word “veda”? √vid (To know / To attain).

For instance, common word “vidyā (knowledge)” comes from √vid.  So “Veda” means: to know (or) to attain.

Put together “know” and “attain”, and you have final definition of “Veda”: That by which we attain knowledge.

However we also have five senses, mind and intellect by which we attain knowledge of the outside world and our inner subjective world.

If senses, mind & intellect is also a means of knowledge — then why do we need Veda? To answer, let's first define:

SENSES:

• • Gives knowledge of external world. However has limits. EG: Can an eye see mitochondria/nucleus? No.
  • What is solution to overcome limitation of our senses? Use microscope instrument, which gives us knowledge beyond eye’s limits. Thus microscope/telescope is called: Exceptional means of knowledge. Because it adds another layer previously unknown to our eye-sense. Meaning microscope/telescope are the boss (supreme authority) in their OWN field.

MIND:

• • Gives knowledge of external world (by help of five senses) and internal processes (such as what you remember, infer, sense, understand, emote).

What are both senses and mind restricted to perceiving? The reality which is BEHIND them.

What is behind both the senses and the mind? Let's see…

Means of knowledge for BEHIND

Veda is an exceptional means of knowledge gives knowledge of consciousness or “I am” in whose presence the senses and the functions of the mind take place. The awareness that illumines the senses and the mind.

Suppose your sight or hearing is lost, is your “I AM” lost? No. Rather, in presence of “I am”, sight or hearing is known to be reduced or lost completely. 

So can senses/mind reveal this “am-ness”? No. Does a thought in the mind displace “I am”? No. Whether the thought is there or silence is there, I am in both of them.

Therefore, Veda is an instrument by which am-ness is revealed. It is a guide HOW to discover the “I AM” behind the mind/senses. In fact everyone already knows “I am”, except I don't know the nature of “I”. Am I as good as the senses and the mind, or much bigger? That's what Veda answers.

Let's recap so far…

1. 1. BODY: “I am” can't be your physical body because body is constantly changing, growing and repairing. Yet you know yourself as one continuous presence. In presence of I, there is a body that's changing.   Body is analogous to a machine with 4 motors, 2 lights, 1 speaker, CPU. Suppose 1 light breaks or the motor is replaced. Neither affects electricity (analogous for consciousness which enables the entire machine to work).
   2. MIND: “I am” can't be referring to the mind because while the mind can forget, you can't forget “I am”, because it's always evident to you that you are.

“Behind” is an implied meaning. It doesn't meant spatially behind, but in sense of there is something enabling your mind to know, to experience to enjoy.

For example: 

• • Electricity is behind the speaker. Battery is behind the torch. Both enjoy their function because of that which is “behind” them.
  • Fan thinks it’s independently doing the spinning and cooling. Thus becomes proud and forms a personality complex. In reality it's spinning and cooling is entirely dependent on that which is “behind” it, which is electricity. 

SUMMARY SO FAR:

• • Vedas is exceptional means of knowledge because it gives more then what senses & mind can show.
  • What does Veda show? Reality/truth which is BEHIND everything, which is awareness, which is your true nature.

Means of knowledge for BEYOND

What else does Veda show us? Knowledge which can’t be known through any means, including biology, physics, science, chemistry, etc.

For example, Veda shows logically that brain is different from mind (something that biology/science can't necessarily show). Brain is gross, while mind is subtle. Just as computer hardware is gross, while software is subtle.

Here's some ways it demonstrates difference between brain and mind…

1. 1. Brain is physical and weighs 1.3kg. But how much do thoughts, memories, emotions weight? Thus they're subtle in nature.
   2. Brain is subject to gravity. Thoughts/emotions/desires/memories are not pulled down by gravity as they are not subject to physical laws.
   3. Near-Death experience. Person’s heart stops for minutes. Brain ceases neural-activity. Yet upon resurrection, person reports seeing/hearing doctor's conversations, own body and room.
   4. Brain can be perceived by the physical senses. While mind cannot. For example, I can see your nose, but can't perceive what you smell. I can't find your emotions in any brain cell (which is nothing but atoms). Difference implies the two cannot be same order of reality.
   5. Brain structure of people is exactly the same, with minor differences. Yet mind's desires/thoughts/emotions/experiences are vastly different. Thus mind can't be the physical brain.
   6. Hooking up Brain to EEG will only show parts of electrical activity in brain. So brain/electricity is gross. Won't show subjective experience (like imaginations, desires, memories, emotions) person is having.
   7. We can examine our subjective experience, but can't introspect our own brain's physical processes in same way. 
   8. One may have physical brain conditions like dementia, brain injury, memory loss — but one's sense of “I” remains intact (sense of I, or that mechanism that creates sense of individuality, is part of the mind).

CONCLUSION: Mind is different from the brain/body. Thus the mind survives the death of the body.

Examples where Vedas becomes an exceptional means of knowledge for BEYOND:

1. 1. What happens to individual after fall of body.
   2. Inescapable phenomena of action-reaction. Cause-effect. Law of Karma.

How Can You Prove the Vedas?

One can only know AFTER going through the logic of Vedas. For example…

Microscope unveils the existence of mitochondria. Suppose, I refuse to use microscope to find out for myself. Can I discover mitochondria, unless I FIRST use the microscope? No. Meaning, microscope remains the final authority as means-of-knowledge for revealing mitochondria. How long does microscope remain authority? Until I use microscope, and find out for myself. Meaning, microscope doesn't care whether I doubt it’s ability to reveal. It’s your loss.

Similarly, Vedas remains authority as means-of-knowledge, to reveal Self (atma). In same way, Veda doesn't care if person rejects it’s authority. It’s person’s loss.

Therefore individual discovers Self by treating Veda as authoritative means-of-knowledge. For how long? Until Self is known for what it truly is. And this is done by help of a guide or teacher (guru).

Just how science learner needs a guide to show how to use the microscope, the spiritual seeker needs a teacher to help reveal Self through Veda.

Definition of Veda in sanskrit:

Definition of veda in sanskrit is: alaukika viṣaye vedāḥ pramāṇam

1. Pramāṇam: Means/instrument of knowledge.
2. Viṣaya: area, topic.
3. Alaukika:
   • Laukika: World which is seen by senses/mind.
   • Alaukika: What cannot be seen by senses/mind.

Translation: Veda are means of knowledge for all things beyond senses & mind. 

Definition of “Anta”:

2 Meanings:

1. 1. Inside.  EG: Antaḥ karaṇa (Inner instrument).
   2. Final / end. 

Veda has 2 portions:

FIRST PORTION:

• • Gaining better worlds: Karma-kanda (Portion dealing with Action).
  • Contains instructions for going to better worlds, with greater pleasures: svarga-loka.
  • Because earth is not the only loka in the universe. And it’s mixture of pleasure/sorrow. Ratio of pleasure/sorrow depends on body. EG: Plants/animals have greater sorrow. Less options. We think birds are free, but are fearful.
  • Vedas tells us about 14 lokas and action needed to enter them.
    • 14 lokas are used in Vedas to convey the entire spectrum of Existence, covering all universes/worlds.
    • These 14 lokas are also often referred to as “Three worlds”, “The 3 worlds”, which are:
      • 3 Worlds Model:  bhūḥ (7 lower), bhuvaḥ (earth), suvaḥ (6 higher). Total 14.
        
      • Names:
        • 6 Higher worlds (from subtle to most-subtle): bhuvaḥ (pitṛ/candra), svarga (heaven), mahaḥ, janaḥ, tapaḥ, satyam (brahmaloka).
        • Middle: bhūḥ (earth). Both gross & subtle.
        • 7 Lower worlds (from gross to most-gross): atala, vitala, sutala, talātala, rasātala, mahātala, pātāla.
        • More about Hindu cosmology and the 14 lokas.
  • Because so many results and actions are possible, karma-kāṇḍa is bulkier then 2nd portion. 

SECOND PORTION:

• • Speaks of nature of self: upanishads / jnana-kanda.
  • 1st portion has limitations: It’s results are limited. Because the actions to attain them are limited.
    • EG:
      • How long enjoy holiday? Until money runs out.
      • Similarly, once puṇya money gone, individual returns to Earth.
  • Whereas 2nd portion shows solution to discovering fulfillment which is permanent, limitless and unchanging.
  • Who is 2nd portion for?  Seekers who are tired of limited results. Only interested in ONE ULTIMATE RESULT which has no second higher.
    • DOUBT: I don't believe this claim! ANSWER: Must follow logic of Veda in order to discover for yourself. Until then, Veda remains authoritative means-of-knowledge.
  • Meaning 2nd portion delivers ONE limitless result. Hence it’s shorter then 1st portion.

CONCLUSION OF WHAT “ANTA” MEANS: It has 2 meanings…

• 1. Inside: Meaning Upanisads can be found throughout Veda. Beginning, middle, end.
  2. Final/end: Meaning, it is the final message of Vedas. Culmination of Veda.

So what kind of text is Tattva Bodha? It is a basic text which will help you understand the FINAL message of upanisads — that you are already free, immortal and limitless.

 

Let's Revise Once Again What Place Tattva-Bodha has in Vedanta…

We saw what is Veda & Anta, since they both make up the word “Vedanta”…

Veda:

Veda means: Exceptional means of knowledge.

For example, microscope exceptional means-of-knowledge, when attached to eye. In same way, Veda is exceptional means of knowledge when attached to the mind.

Why is Vedantic knowledge an exceptional means of knowledge? Because it is alaukika viṣaya – that which does NOT come to knowledge from the senses/mind. Alaukika viṣaya is knowledge of the beyond OR behind.

Behind:

• • That which is behind senses. Empowers it. Refers to consciousness or awareness (Brahman).
  • Why senses can’t detect Consciousness:
    • If Consciousness comes infront of senses, it becomes an object to senses. In which case, consciousness should have some properties or attributes which senses can observe. But it doesn't. Consciousness is formless; it doesn't have sight/sound/taste/etc attached to it. So no sense can pick it up. Nor can it be visualized, felt… because they too are attributes. However just because it can be perceived, doesn't mean Consciousness doesn't exist. Think of it this way: Sight can see color/depth/form because sight itself is colorless/depth-less/formless. In same way, only reason why we can see form, hear sounds, feel sensations — is because consciousness (ātman or Self) itself is formless, soundless, sensation-less, motion-less.
  • Why mind can’t THINK of Consciousness:
    • Mind can only grasp thought concepts, but not Consciousness in which they arise, or because of which thoughts are known to be fluctuating. 
    • EG:
      • What is 20 / 5? 4. That's a thought.
      • Imagine warm sun on skin? That's a thought (call it whatever you want; a visualization, image, process, etc. – the point is its perceived).
      • Experiencing peace. It too is a thought/emotion.
  • Conclusion: Senses/mind can’t apprehend Self, or the subject — because the Self is “behind” them. Also, no one can say “I am not consciousness”. Fact is, I AM conscious. You are conscious else you wouldn't have capacity to agree or disagree to this statement. The fact that your thoughts are known to changes, shows there's a self-evident subject, I.
  • The knowledge that shows you of that which is “behind” the mind/senses, is called: Jnana-kanda, or Upanishad, or Vedanta.

Beyond:

• • Veda shows you what is beyond our existing models, quantum physics and modern science.
  • For example, Veda explains what happens to your mind AFTER the body dies. Veda proclaims, “Mind takes on a new body type according to previous actions” — and then backs up with logic. So there's no blind faith involved. Veda also speaks about cause-effect relationship, such as the cause of the big-bang. Since there was no time “before” big-bang, and there was noone to observe “before” the big-bang, you need the Veda to show you.
  • The knowledge that shows what is beyond our scientific instruments, is called: karma-kanda.

Anta:

2 Meanings:

1. 1. Inside: Spread throughout. Not limited to one portion.
   2. Final message: Final message of Veda is found in upaniṣads — also called: vedanta.

SUMMARY: Veda is means of knowledge for karma (action) AND jnanam (knowledge of the universe, God, consciousness, individual).

What is origin of Veda?

Veda is also called shruti (That which is heard). Meaning, it came as a sudden revelation in the mind of the rishi.  This process repeated for hundreds of years. And the revelations were assembled into a text called “Veda”. Hence “Veda” and “shruti” are synonyms.

Who or What is a rishi (seer)?

Answer: ṛṣayaḥ mantra draṣṭāraḥ

• • Draṣṭa: “Those who saw”.  TRANSLATION: Rishi's are seers of mantras.
  • For example, who is seer of:
    • Gāyatrī mantra? Viśvāmitra.
    • Taittirīya Upaniṣad? Vaiśampāyana.
    • Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad? Yājñavalkya.

About the 2nd Section of Veda (Upanishad / Jnana-kanda):

If Veda is called shruti. Then Upanishad section of Veda is called: śruti-prasthāna.

• Śruti: synonym for Veda.
• Prasthāna: A means / a vehicle which helps you attain.
• So what is śruti-prasthāna? Revealed knowledge by which one discovers Self, the truth of everything.

2 more Important Texts Related to Vedanta:

Bhagavad Gita:

• • Authored by Veda Vyāsa. Why is he called “Veda Vyasa? He took many parts which make up Veda and categorized it into 4 sections. That way it would remain protected when distributed.
  • Why is Bhagavad Gita an important text of Vedanta?
    • Complete message of all 108 Upaniṣads is presented in a narrative form between Krishna and Arjuna. Thus entire Vedantic picture becomes clear and easy to follow in a story format. This means Vyasa had knowledge of all Upanishads in order to author Bhagavad Gita. COMPARISON: All Upanishads are like cows. And Bhagavad Gita is like the milk of ALL the cows.
  • Did Krishna & Arjuna really speak in the way Bhagavad Gita is presented? No. It’s a battle field. In reality, messages were short but Vyasa expanded it, in accordance with teachings of Upanishads.
  • So what kind of text is Bhagavad Gita?
    • The Bhagavad Gita is classified as Smṛti-Prasthāna, meaning it is a remembered text. However, it is also a ‘reflected-upon‘ text, as Vyasa presents Arjuna and Krishna’s dialogue in the Mahabharata while interpreting it in light of Upanishadic teachings. While the word “smriti” literally means ‘remembered (that which is recollected' — in the specific case of the Bhagavad Gita, it also carries the nuance of being ‘reflected-upon' due to its deep philosophical insights.
  • SUMMARY: Vedanta so far is made up of: Upaniṣads + Bhagavad Gītā. However one more text makes it up…

Brahma-sutra:

• • Also authored by Veda Vyasa.
  • Whatever doubts/questions arose in the Upanishads that were seemingly contradictory, or needed nuanced explanations — Vyasa answered through brilliant logics.
  • Brahma-sutra is called: nyāya-prasthāna.  Nyaya means logic. So book of logic.

Two Important Figures in Vedantic Tradition:

1. Vyāsa: Responsible for…
   • Shruti-prasthana: He compiled the vedas.
   • Smriti-prasthana: He wrote the Bhagavad Gita.
   • Brahma-sutra: He wrote it to clarify cryptic statements of the shruti (the self-knowledge section of the Vedas).
   • Vyāsa is called sūtra-kāra — Writer of sūtras. 
2. Adi Shankara:
   • Called: bhāṣya-kāra — Writer of commentaries — giving brilliant clarity to the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma-sutras.

Revision of 3 Vedanta texts:

1. Upaniṣads: śruti-prasthāna. Revealed.
2. Bhagavad Gītā: smṛti-prasthāna. A past event reflected upon in light of Upanishads.
3. Brahma-sūtra: nyāya-prasthāna. Logical analysis into seemingly contradictory statements within the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.

Since all 3 texts are intended to reveal the absolute nature — together they are called: prasthana-traya (the triple canon or foundation of Vedantic knowledge) — or simply shastra (scriptures).

Each of 3 texts are independently complete. Meaning they don't need a supporting text to back up their logic. 

Is Tattva Bodha a shastra?

No, because it is not a complete text. It's a preparatory text. It's like a driving manual that teaches you vital rules and knowledge before you get on the road to full Vedantic study with a guru.

Is Tatttva Bodha a Vedanta text? It certainly is, because it points out crucial Vedantic terms and fundamentals you need to know before attending to Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Brahma-Sutras.

What TYPE of text is Tattva-Bodha?  Prakaraṇa-grantha. Topical-text. Meaning it covers important topics of shastra. Also it contains terminology of common words you must now.

Comparison:

• • Śāstra: Deals with TOTAL knowledge.
  • Prakaraṇa-grantha: Deals with topical knowledge. However purpose of both is liberation.

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Credit for help in Tattva Bodha to Chinmaya Mission's Swami Advayananda, and Arsha Vidya's Swami Dayananda.

Recorded 21 May, 2023