Comments on: The Progression of Scriptural Understanding http://harmonist.us/2010/01/the-progression-of-scriptural-understanding/ Tue, 22 May 2012 13:40:14 +0000 hourly 1 By: Ken http://harmonist.us/2010/01/the-progression-of-scriptural-understanding/comment-page-1/#comment-3219 Ken Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:20:34 +0000 http://harmonist.us/?p=3996#comment-3219 Anthony, It seems Swami reiterates that our spiritual lineage stresses the philosophical need for espousing ontological reality. So within the framework of <em>parampara</em>, so must Swamiji underscore the theological "necessity." I simply opine that Swami's spiritual evolution is such that he proffers realizations suggesting we approach <em>shastra</em> in its totality -- i.e., considering connotative and interpretive aspects as well. Please forgive any offenses if I've misinterpreted or "assigned meaning" where it was NOT intended. Anthony,
It seems Swami reiterates that our spiritual lineage stresses the philosophical need for espousing ontological reality. So within the framework of parampara, so must Swamiji underscore the theological “necessity.” I simply opine that Swami’s spiritual evolution is such that he proffers realizations suggesting we approach shastra in its totality — i.e., considering connotative and interpretive aspects as well.

Please forgive any offenses if I’ve misinterpreted or “assigned meaning” where it was NOT intended.

]]> By: Anthony http://harmonist.us/2010/01/the-progression-of-scriptural-understanding/comment-page-1/#comment-3208 Anthony Sun, 03 Jan 2010 10:18:00 +0000 http://harmonist.us/?p=3996#comment-3208 As always, I appreciate your articles, they are very enlightening. I'm wondering if you might be able to expand on the last three paragraphs of the article? I probably just don't have enough experience, but I am unclear how the lila (stories of Krishna's pastimes, right?) are illustrations of self-giving (meaning the Divine become accessible) that leads to the absolute self-forgetfulness that is Krishna lila (does this mean our (the devotees') humility through acquaintance with Krishna lila and learning about the forms, qualities and pastimes of the Godhead through the lila allow us to more fully surrender?). Ontological reality means that something that I can conceive of (in this case, the pastimes of Krishna) is (or are) real in that I can't conceive of something without reality? And you state that our spiritual tradition requires their reality for us to progress in spiritual knowledge? Are you making a case for literalism in lila or not? It seemed at the beginning of the article you were not- by saying literalism is only the first step in unlocking scripture, but as I work through this comment, I seem to be coming up with something different. I've always considered the lila stories children's book fodder with an occasional glimpse into cultural context and spiritual principles, not really the cornerstone of spiritual life, but a fanciful diversion within that same cultural and spiritual context. I am by no means an expert, and I struggle even as a casual observer,it seems like I am going all over the map here, would you be able to clarify this for me? As always, I appreciate your articles, they are very enlightening. I’m wondering if you might be able to expand on the last three paragraphs of the article? I probably just don’t have enough experience, but I am unclear how the lila (stories of Krishna’s pastimes, right?) are illustrations of self-giving (meaning the Divine become accessible) that leads to the absolute self-forgetfulness that is Krishna lila (does this mean our (the devotees’) humility through acquaintance with Krishna lila and learning about the forms, qualities and pastimes of the Godhead through the lila allow us to more fully surrender?). Ontological reality means that something that I can conceive of (in this case, the pastimes of Krishna) is (or are) real in that I can’t conceive of something without reality? And you state that our spiritual tradition requires their reality for us to progress in spiritual knowledge? Are you making a case for literalism in lila or not? It seemed at the beginning of the article you were not- by saying literalism is only the first step in unlocking scripture, but as I work through this comment, I seem to be coming up with something different. I’ve always considered the lila stories children’s book fodder with an occasional glimpse into cultural context and spiritual principles, not really the cornerstone of spiritual life, but a fanciful diversion within that same cultural and spiritual context. I am by no means an expert, and I struggle even as a casual observer,it seems like I am going all over the map here, would you be able to clarify this for me?

]]> By: Gurunistha dasa http://harmonist.us/2010/01/the-progression-of-scriptural-understanding/comment-page-1/#comment-3203 Gurunistha dasa Sun, 03 Jan 2010 04:11:28 +0000 http://harmonist.us/?p=3996#comment-3203 Really nice article. A common argument against a broader understanding of the sastra seems to be that it will make devotees replace faith with their intelligence, but although there's definitely some truth to it, I think the critics miss an important point: no matter what a neophyte devotee's approach to sastra is, it's going to be distorted because of his/her conditioning. The only thing that can save the sadhaka from this is sadhu-sanga. The ironical thing is that literal understanding alone can't save us from interpretation either. Our conditioning interprets all of our experiences anyway. Really nice article.

A common argument against a broader understanding of the sastra seems to be that it will make devotees replace faith with their intelligence, but although there’s definitely some truth to it, I think the critics miss an important point: no matter what a neophyte devotee’s approach to sastra is, it’s going to be distorted because of his/her conditioning. The only thing that can save the sadhaka from this is sadhu-sanga. The ironical thing is that literal understanding alone can’t save us from interpretation either. Our conditioning interprets all of our experiences anyway.

]]> By: Ken http://harmonist.us/2010/01/the-progression-of-scriptural-understanding/comment-page-1/#comment-3195 Ken Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:23:49 +0000 http://harmonist.us/?p=3996#comment-3195 Once again, Swami Tripurari captures heart, mind and soul by building on the foundation laid by Srila Prabhupada and unveiling a richer, more evolved understanding for our inspiration. I humbly offer my gratitude. Once again, Swami Tripurari captures heart, mind and soul by building on the foundation laid by Srila Prabhupada and unveiling a richer, more evolved understanding for our inspiration. I humbly offer my gratitude.

]]> By: Amanda http://harmonist.us/2010/01/the-progression-of-scriptural-understanding/comment-page-1/#comment-3190 Amanda Sat, 02 Jan 2010 07:30:37 +0000 http://harmonist.us/?p=3996#comment-3190 Thank you for such a wonderful article!! Thank you for such a wonderful article!!

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