Part 24.2 - Harmonising Sruti Texts

Sripati suggests that there is need for reconciling these conflicting texts. He proceeds to show that the same want of harmony between Sruti texts is to be seen. He quotes the Sruti text, Yato vacho nivartanta, etc. [Those (Jivas) who are bereft of the good grace of the guru's blessing have no salvation.] This is seemingly against the text Ananda Brahmano vidvan nabibheti kutaschana, etc. (One who knows Ananda Brahman is never afraid of the world.) These seemingly contradictory texts can only be harmonised by Jijnasa. To prove that jnana obtained by Gurukataksha leads to the knowing of Brahman and that all other ways lead away from the path leading to the knowledge of Brahman as known to experience, is, says Sripati, confirmed by the Taittiriya text, Brahmavidapnoti param, Brahmavid Brahmaiva bhavati, etc. (He who knows Brahman will reach Him and he who knows Brahman will also become Brahman.) But then, there are texts which declare that just because one knows the Veda, one cannot exactly find that great Being, the Brahman. Sripati quotes texts like (a) Na vedavin manute tam manute tam bruhantam;

(b) Naisha tarkena mati rapaniya; (c) Tantvopanishadam purusham pruchchami; and (d) Sastra yonitvat, which declare that Brahman is not possible of understanding through any faulty (or imperfect) sources. He holds that he is understandable only through the aid of the doctrine of Bhedabheda, which harmonises the meaning of every Sruti text relating to Brahma-Mimamsa (Sarva sruti samanvita Brahma-Mimamsa). It is therefore meet, he says, that a beginning should be made for Brahma-Jijnasa.