Test of indispensability
Vyatireka (Devanagari: व्यतिरेक ISO15919: vyatirēka) is the means without which the goal cannot be achieved. In other words, it is impossible to attain the goal without this method. Means the path is indispensable.
Testing Karma
In the previous article on Anvaya we had established that the aim of life cannot be achieved through karma . Yet, we know that infinite souls have achieved the goal and continue to do so. So it is obvious that they have achieved the goal without karma. Hence, the path of karma automatically fails this test as well.
Testing Gyan
In the previous article on Anvaya we had established that the aim of life cannot be achieved through gyan. Yet, we know that infinite souls have achieved the goal and continue to do so. So, it is obvious that they have achieved the goal without gyan. Hence, the path of gyan automatically fails this test as well.
Testing bhakti
Now let's put the path of devotion to the test of indispensability (vyatireka) and see whether this path meets the test of indispensability.
Can God be found without devotion?
Shankaracharya says,
शुद्धयति हि नान्तरात्मा कृष्णपदांभोज भक्तिमृते (शं.)
śuddhayati hi nāntarātmā kr̥ṣṇapadāṁbhōja bhaktimr̥tē (śaṁ.)
"Without bhakti, mere performance of karma, or following the path of gyan is not only incapable of liberating a jeev, but they cannot even purify the mind". This means that unless the mind is engaged in the loving remembrance of God, it will continue to be contaminated with material attractions. Bhakti is the only means to purify the mind which has been soiled since eternity. And without cleansing the mind, higher objectives such as self-realization, God-realization, and divine love will all remain unattainable.
The Bhagavatam says,
धर्म: स्वानुष्ठित: पुंसां विष्वक्सेन कथासुय: ।
तोत्पादयेद्यदिरतिं श्रम एव हि केवलम् ॥(भा.)
dharma: svānuṣṭhita: puṁsāṁ viṣvaksēna kathāsuya: ।
tōtpādayēdyadiratiṁ śrama ēva hi kēvalam ॥
bhā.
“If the actions which are performed as per the injunctions of Vedas do not develop an interest and love for Shri Krishna, such actions are reprehensible. So any karma, gyan or yoga devoid of devotion is merely futile labor. In other words, bhakti is indispensable for attaining God. Tulsidas Ji says in the Ramayana,
वारि मथे बरु होय घृत, सिकता ते बरु तेल ।
बिनु हरि भजन न भव तरिय, यह सिद्धांत अपेल। रा. च. मा
vāri mathe baru hoya ghṛta, sikatā te baru tela ।
binu hari bhajana na bhava tariya, yaha siddhāṃta apela ।
Ramcharitmanas
“You might be able to extract ghee by churning milk of lime, or extract oil from sand crystals (in other words the impossible might become possible), but God cannot be attained without doing bhakti. This is God’s irrefutable law.” Hence, bhakti can stand the test of vyatireka. (2)
Okay, God cannot be attained without bhakti, but does bhakti require other paths? Yes, this question is important and relevant. So pay attention to the third criterion.
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