Chapter 1 - Introduction

T and many other works but could not get his doubts clarified about the ultimate reality and the means of final release. Finally, he studied the Pāñcarātraśāstra through the grace of God. It is held that this statement is anti-Vedic since the authority of the Vedas is questioned². But this objection is to be considered by treating that Sāṇḍilya's attempt does not question the validity of the Vedas but expresses his inability to get his doubts solved. This explanation is analogous to the statement of Nārada mentioned in the Chandogya text³ that he has studied all the Vedas but has not realized the self. This statement is only to glorify the bhūma vidyā, that is going to be mentioned later in that context. The Pañcarātra tradition is also known as Sattvata system. The word sāttvata, it appears, seems to have been used in a despicable sense. But this point is to be proved, beyond doubt. 1. sāngeṣu vedeṣu nisṭhāmlabhamanaḥ sandilyaḥ pāñcarātra śāstram adhi gatavān-quoted. 2. See BSB p.497 4-5: “catursu vedeṣu paraṃ śreyo labdhvā śāṇḍilya idaṃ śāstram adhigatavān ityādivedanindadarśanāt". 3. Ch U VII. 1-2 29