Sri Vedanta-sutra, Part 78
BY: SUN STAFF
Apr 21, 2021 — CANADA (SUN) — Sri Vedanta-sutra - Volume Five by Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushana, Translated by Sriman Kusakratha dasa.
Adhikarana 10
The Ferocity of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Introduction by Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushana
It has been said that one should meditate on the Supreme, especially by thinking of the Lord's qualities as described in one's own branch of the Vedas. However, it is said that they who desire liberation should not meditate on certain of the Lord's qualities. In the Atharva Veda (8.3.4 and 17) it is said:
agne tvam yatudhanasya bhindi
"O fiery Lord, please cut Yatudhana into pieces!"
and
tam pratyancam arcisha bidhya marma
"O Lord, with Your flames please break open Yatudhana's heart!"
Samsaya (doubt): Should one meditate on the Lord as one who cuts others to pieces, or should one not meditate on Him in this way?
Purvapaksha (the opponent speaks): Because the Lord becomes violent only to stop the demons, therefore it is proper to meditate on the Lord in this way.
Siddhanta (conclusion): In the following words the author of the sutras gives His conclusion.
Sutra 26
vedhady artha-bhedat
(Not) cutting into pieces and other violent acts because of a different result.
Purport by Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushana
The word "na" (not) should be understood in this sutra. One should not meditate on the Lord as the punisher who cuts others into pieces and performs other violent acts. Why not? The sutra explains: "atha-bhedat" (because of a different result). The word "artha" here means "result". The saintly devotees renounce violence and other negative qualities. That is the meaning here. The Lord Himself declares (Bhagavad-gita 8.8):
amanitvam adambitvam
ahimsa kshantir arjavam
"Humility, pridelessness, nonviolence, tolerance, and simplicity, . . . all these I declare to be knowledge."*
Also, in Srimad-Bhagavatam the Lord says:
nivrittam karma seveta
pravrittam mat-paras tyajet
"My devotee should renounce materialism and cultivate renunciation."
