117.
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According to the scriptural tradition,
in order to discover the Self (i.e. become enlightened),
one should first understand that nothing is to be gained
from the world – objects and experiences will never
bring lasting happiness because they are always changing.
This is understood as a result of developing such faculties
as discrimination (viveka) and detachment (vairAgya).
Once this understanding has been reached, the natural
progression is to want to search for true meaning and
purpose, i.e. one becomes a seeker looking for enlightenment – a
mumukShu. Then one seeks out a teacher. These ‘mental
preparations’ must be carried out to some degree
(see 341 ) in order that the subsequent teaching may
be appreciated, although the methods of traditional teaching
will themselves also help develop these mental qualities.
(N.B. Note 228 – that it is ultimately discovered
that there is no meaning/purpose to life but, by then,
this discovery does not cause any problem.)
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118.
|
Neither satsang nor neo-advaitin
teachers will usually refer to scriptures in any form
or at any time. Satsang teachers may quote from Ramana
Maharshi or Nisargadatta or from their disciples. Neo-advaitin
teachers do not usually quote from anyone else (‘there
are no others’). |
119.
|
It must be admitted and acknowledged
that a skilled teacher, who is able to use the scriptures
as a pramANa, is what is needed. The words themselves
do not have any magical properties. Consequently, quoting
the scriptures alone will not achieve anything. (The
exceptions to this are the key mahAvAkya-s, which are
able to give direct knowledge in one who is prepared – see
64 .)
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120.
|
The scriptures are claimed to have
no value by neo-advaitin teachers. (Satsang teachers
in general often also hold this view.)
|
|
Such teachers have probably not
read them and will certainly not have understood them.
As noted above, the scriptures truly are of no value
if you do not know how to use them. |
121.
|
The neo-advaitin argument is that: since there is
no one to become enlightened and the Self is already
free, it follows that the scriptures cannot serve any
useful function. |
|
According to this argument, it
must also follow that teaching of any sort is also of
no value, including that of neo-advaita. |