| The forms of
exposition adopted and the relative emphasis laid on various aspects go sometimes by names
which are known as Dwaita, Adwaita and Visishtaadwaita, and which, as Faith deteriorated,
came to be treated by disciples as opposing schools of philosophy. They are, however,
fundamentally only differences in forms of exposition and emphasis. They are all aspects of Vedanta as old as the Upanishads themselves,
wherein they are to be found without distinguishing names and without being treated as
different philosophies. The irremovable residue of unknowability takes varying shapes in
accordance with the temperaments of teacher and disciple.
Although the forms of elucidation, methods of exposition
and emphasis laid on points may differ, it is note worthy that the Vedantic life, the way
of liberation recommended by every one of the sages and teachers is just the same. All
schools of Vedanta-and this clinches thematter-lead to the same ethic. This binds
all Vedantins in one outlook. The law of cause and effect and its extension beyond death
to future births are common ground for all Vedantins, and hence follow a common
ethic for happiness now and hereafter. The ethic of Vedanta, the way of life that Hindu
philosophy lays down, is dealt with in the succeeding chapters. |
