Vinay Arya: Let me explain to you Guruji why illusion does not exist. Illusion is ‘the things appear to be different than they are’. In which universe did he go and saw this. I cannot see such things in my life. A computer appears to be computer. A fan appears to be a fan. A dhongi said that when fan moves it does not appear as it was earlier. And this he called illusion. Swamiji I request that explain to him by Samadhi that fan has now come under the action of an external force applied by the electricity. So it has to appear different. It has to appear like that as the external force is acting on it. So it means that fan has to appear like that. So here fails his theory of things appearing somewhat different than they are.
Swami Ram Swarup: Illusion occurs due to the effect of Rajo, Tamo and Satto gunn of Prakriti. In Vedas as well as Yog Shastra Sutra 1/26, it has been clarified that Prakriti means the combination of the said three qualities. Secondly, Vedas speak about Traitwad i.e., three eternal and everlasting matters- Almighty God (alive), souls (alive) and Prakriti (non-alive). Since, the matters are eternal, hence the prakriti is also eternal and everlasting matter. So are Raj, tam and satva gunnas. I mean to say, when the existence of Prakriti, which is a combination of three qualities, is proved in Vedas, shastras, Upnishads, Bhagwad Geeta and other ancient holy granths written by Rishis-munis, then illusion which occurs due to Rajo, Tamo and satto gunn exists. You see, God is Formless. He cannot be seen, similarly Prakriti and souls can’t be seen. But their existence is there. Similarly, illusion, a product of Prakriti, is also unseen just as the knowledge/wisdom is there but is unseen, however, they exist and their effect is seen. For example- A learned person is called learned due to his knowledge/wisdom and ignorant is known due to his illusion.
“When the things appear to be different” is misunderstanding which is removed by knowledge. The matters in which the misunderstanding occurs, those matters exist. In this connection, I would advise you to read my book- Vedanta and Eternal Vedas Philosophy Part I and II in which the matter has been clarified in detail. I quote a general example which you know, also here. Mostly, this example is quoted by present Vedantis. Suppose, a person in semi-darkness sees a rope. In the rope, he observes that it is a snake i.e., Rope is not being judged as rope but is being judged as a snake, due to misunderstanding. This misunderstanding can occur in a learned as well as in ignorant. When another learned person who is coming from near the rope and know that it is a rope and not a snake, would preach to either learned or ignorant person that the matter is not a snake but it is rope, even by throwing light over the rope. Then the misunderstanding would be over. But we have to understand that if a person has never seen a snake either in a dream or while being awake. He would never be afraid of rope. Secondly, nobody can say that snake does not exist in the world. It does not matter that the snake is not lying at the spot but it does exist in the world. Otherwise, without seeing or listening about the snake, how misunderstanding about judging rope as snake can arise? Fan moves. When it was not moving, it was called fan, when moves, it is yet called a fan. So, the stage of moving of a fan has no relation with illusion because, fan is made only for moving to generate air. However, if fan does not move then the problem occurs and the fan is repaired i.e., in any circumstances, fan is called a fan when it moves and when it moves then we know that a perfect learned engineer/mechanic had made the fan. So, moving stage of fan has no relevance with illusion.
And sure his theory of “Things appearing somewhat different then they are” is not related to eternal knowledge of Vedas and is a failure. Illusion occurs in mind/intellect. That is why, we pray in Gayatri mantra- “Dhiyoh yonaha Prachodyat” that is – Oh! God, enlightenment my mind with wisdom so that I may be able to decide what is right and wrong. Further, Rigveda says ‘Buddhi Gyanein Shudhyati’ i.e., mind/intellect is purified when a person becomes learned. But in the absence of deed, (Purusharath- Hard work) and worship (spiritualism), the knowledge can never be attained. Because it is fundamental law that knowledge is attained when it is given by someone.
So, in Vedas, Karma kand, gyan kand and upasana kand i.e., the said three educations are required to be adopted in action, thereafter only a person becomes a learned. It is also an illusion to say that only Gyan (knowledge) is required while karma (pious deeds) and upasana (worship) are not needed. We can’t go against Vedas because Vedas tell about the said three educations which have been adopted by everyone like Sri Ram, Harishchandra, Dashrath, Sri Krishna Maharaj etc., including Rishi-Muni (like Vyas Muniji, Vishwamitraji, Vasishth Rishi, Sandeepan Rishi etc.), kings and their public since times immemorial.
So, knowledge, deeds and worship separately and alone will do nothing without other two.
UR: Namaste Swamiji, Thank you very much for your reply. Your offer of a copy of Sarvashreshta yagna karma is much appreciated. Once again your response is much appreciated. Thank you very much.
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you, my daughter. You are welcome, please. The book with a VCD performing yajyen, along with two other CDs of Vedic bhajans along with spiritual preach (bhajans are sung by me and most of them have been composed by me) are being sent to you as presentation from Ved Mandir. I hope you’ll be able to know eternal Vedic philosophy which emanates direct from God and I highly appreciate your interest in Vedic culture. May God bless you for a long, happy life.
GB: Dear Swamiji, Thanks a lot. I am very happy to get a valuable advise and changed my
thinking. Iam very much thankful to you. Will keep in touch with your articles which will educate a normal person like me. Thanks & Regards.
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. you are welcome, please. My blessings are always with you for long, happy life.
Rawin: Is Geeta part II available in English?
Swami Ram Swarup: I’m sorry that English version of Bhagwad Geeta – Ek Vedic Rahasya Part I and II has not yet been written. However, keeping in view that the demands from several readers the process of translation will be taken in due course. I would request you to send your postal address and as soon as the English version of Bhagwad Geeta is available, the same shall be sent to you. However, a list of English books which give immense knowledge of Vedas along with social issues is given below:-
List of English books is appended below, please —–
S. No. NAME OF BOOK COST PAGES
1. VEDANTA & ETERNAL VEDAS’ PHILOSOPHY PT I 31.00 77
2. VEDANTA AND ETERNAL VEDAS’ PHILOSOPHY PT II 20.00 92
3. YOGA A DIVINE VEDAS PHILOSOPHY 65.00 123
4. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT 80.00 190
5. PROTECT THE HOLY COW, SAY VEDAS 40.00 58
6. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. II 121.00 279
7. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. III 100.00 126
8. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. IV 100.00 153
9. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. V 140.00 104
