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Re: Dvaita and Advaita: A Reconciliation
Michael Tandy writes:
> > 7) amalA bhaktih tatsAdhanam | The means of achieving Moksha is
> > uncontaminated Bhakti.
> >
> I think you are mistaken, sir. The Gita (18.54) clearly describes
> once one is liberated (brahma-bhuta), he then attains BHAKTI.
>
How can one attain bhakti *after* liberation? This does
not make any sense, especially since you, as a bhakti-yogi,
must understand that "bhaktyaa labhyas tu anyayaa" -- only
through bhakti is communion with the Lord attained.
The verse that you have quoted (18.54) describes an intermediate
stage of yoga, when the aspirant has realized the true nature
of her own self as being distinct from matter and essentially
of the nature of knowledge and bliss. This is a recap of the
first six adhyaayas of the Gita, particularly the sthita-prajna
portion at the tail end of the 2nd chapter.
After becoming a "brahma-bhUta" (a phase very much distinct
from liberation), the aspirant proceeds to a deeper understanding
of the Parabrahman, along with which comes a deep love for Him. This
process is described in the second six chapters. Such a combination
of intellectual and emotional love culminates with a presentational
experience of the Parabrahman that is as clear as vision itself.
This is what is described in various ways the 11th chapter.
Mani
