The Significance of Athato BrahmaJijnyasa in Vedic Philosophy
Athato BrahmaJijnyasa is the first sutra in the Vedanta Sutras of Badarayana, a foundational text in Hindu philosophy. It establishes the importance of seeking understanding of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Let's delve into the meaning and significance of this sutra.
Understanding the Sutra
The word Athato is a combination of two words, Atha and Atah. Atha has multiple meanings in Sanskrit, including "now," but in the context of this sutra, it signifies a transition or a conditional state. According to Adi Shankara, the legendary Indian philosopher, Atha here denotes anantarya, which means "after something," indicating a sequence or requirement.
The second word, Atah, means "because," serving as a reason for the inquiry. Together, these words lead to the full interpretation of the sutra: "After becoming qualified through six divine qualities, one should inquire into the ultimate reality, Brahman."
The Six Divine Qualities - Shat-Sampatti
The Vedanta Sutras prescribe six divine qualities that a student of Vedanta is expected to attain before beginning his study. These are collectively known as Shat-Sampatti:
Shama: Control of the senses. This involves mastering one's senses to avoid distractions and achieve mental focus. Dama: Restraint of the mind. This refers to mental control, where one controls thoughts and desires, leading to mental stability. Uparati: Renouncing all desires and attachments of worldly life. This quality involves detachment from material possessions and desires, promoting inner peace. Titiksha: Enduring dualities such as heat and cold, pain and pleasure, likes and dislikes without any complaint. This characterizes resilience and mental fortitude. Samadhana: Equanimity of the mind. This means maintaining a stable and composed state of mind, unaffected by external circumstances. Mumukshutva: A burning desire to attain Moksha (liberation). This is the ultimate motivation for seeking knowledge of Brahman.The Reason for Inquiry
The word Atah (because) marks the reason for the inquiry. Adi Shankara suggests that the inquiry into Brahman is justified because all results produced by actions, both here on earth and in heaven, are temporary. They cannot bring lasting happiness. Even heavenly realms have an end.
It is the eternal nature of Brahman that makes it a worthy target of inquiry. Seeking understanding of Brahman is essential to attain true liberation and eternal happiness.
Concluding Thoughts
The sutra Athato BrahmaJijnyasa highlights the journey of spiritual growth and enlightenment. It emphasizes that a student must first cultivate the necessary inner qualities before engaging in the ultimate inquiry. This process not only leads to a deeper understanding of reality but also offers a path to true liberation and happiness.