Tag: philosophy

A Gift for Every Seeker: Exploring the Timeless Teachings of Bhoothanatha Geetha

Concealed within the ancient Sanskrit tales lies a precious script known as Bhoothanatha Geetha. This brief yet profound text, attributed to Prince Manikanta, unfolds the fundamental ideas of Advaita Vedanta in a conversation with King Rajasekharan.

Back in 2018, I penned a detailed commentary on this book. However, given its length, I’m offering you a condensed introduction.

Simplified Sanskrit:

In contrast to its older counterpart, the Bhagavad Gita, Bhoothanatha Geetha imparts its teachings in simpler Sanskrit, making it accessible to a broader audience. Even with basic knowledge, one can grasp the profound verses. Take, for instance, the opening sloka:

“janma mrtyAdi duhkhAnAm nAzAya mahIpate karmano nAzanam mukhyam tadupAyam nizamyatAm”

Translation: “Oh King, destroying one’s karmas is important for the destruction of the suffering that arises from the cycle of birth and death. You can hear the way for it from me.”

A Conversation about Truth:

Much like the Bhagavad Gita, Bhoothanatha Geetha unfurls through a captivating dialogue. Prince Manikanta, embodying both spiritual wisdom and princely grace, guides King Rajasekharan towards self-realization. Their exchange delves into crucial Advaita Vedanta concepts:

  • The nature of Brahman: The ultimate reality, Brahman, transcends form and attributes. The text beautifully illustrates this using the analogy of gold and ornaments, explaining that just as all ornaments are essentially gold, so too are all names and forms manifestations of the one, indivisible Brahman.
  • Maya’s illusion: This subtle veil of misconception obscures our true nature. Manikanta skillfully dispels this illusion, revealing the “I” and “mine” as mere concepts superimposed on the ever-present Brahman.
  • The path to liberation: Bhoothanatha Geetha emphasizes the importance of a true teacher (satguru) and warns against the pitfalls of mere intellectual pursuits, advocating for sincere devotion and self-inquiry.

Beyond the Similarities:

While drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, Bhoothanatha Geetha offers unique insights into Siddha wisdom and practical spirituality:

  • Siddha wisdom: Manikanta’s possible connection to the Siddhas shines through in his detailed discussions of tattvas (elements of consciousness) and the purification of the mind.
  • Practical spirituality: Acknowledging worldly responsibilities and desires, the text encourages a balanced approach, urging not to neglect the body but to utilize it as a vehicle for liberation.

A Gift for Every Seeker:

Whether you’re a long time seeker or a curious newcomer, Bhoothanatha Geetha offers a wealth of wisdom. Its simple language, engaging dialogue, and practical guidance make it a valuable resource for those seeking self-realization. Delve into its verses, contemplate its teachings, and embark on your transformative journey towards eternal truth.

Visit this link for a detailed commentary on Bhoothanatha Geetha.

Why Eckhart Tolle Was Wrong About ‘I Think, Therefore I am’ ( A Quote By Rene Descartes)

Rene Descartes was a French mathematician and philosopher who is considered as one of the founding fathers of modern philosophy. His quote ‘I think, therefore I am” (‘cogito ergo sum’ in Latin) is misunderstood and misinterpreted widely. Initially, this quote was written in French (Je pense, donc je suis); it is found in Discourse on the Method (1637). Then it appeared in Latin in his book ‘Principles of Philosophy’ (1644).

Even Eckhart Tolle seems to have misunderstood the true meaning of the quote. In ‘The Power of Now’, he wrote “The philosopher Descartes believed he had found the most fundamental truth when he made his famous statement: “I think, therefore I am.” He had, in fact, given expression to the most basic error: to equate thinking with Being and identity with thinking. The compulsive thinker, which means almost everyone, lives in a state of apparent separateness, in an insanely complex world of continuous problems and conflict, a world that reflects the ever-increasing fragmentation of the mind.”

Rene Descartes was not spiritually awake, as the word ‘awakening’ is used by Tolle and modern spiritual community. But certainly Descartes did not equate the thinking self with being as it has been claimed. His logic is more deeper and closer to the theme of Eckhart Tolle’s own book; it is the same logic that Advaita Vedanta uses to question the reliability of senses and the existence of external reality. I have given more details in this video.