Annual day of Rajiv Gandhi Sanskrit Vidya Peetham
The annual day function of the Vidya Peetham, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Rajiv Gandhi Campus at Sringeri was held on December 17th. The Jagadguru graced the function and was received with respect at the entrance of the college by the Vice-Chancellor of the Sansthan, Dr. Radha Vallabh Tripati and the Principal of the Campus, Dr. Devanathan Acharya.
As part of the celebrations, students who excelled in their achievements were rewarded in the Jagadguru’s presence. The Jagadguru also released books authored in Sanskrit including “Sharada”, the souvenir of the Vidya Peetham.
In His Sanskrit Anugraha Bhashanam, the Jagadguru explained that the main motive of all the Shastras is to instruct and lead man to the ultimate objective of life. If the means is not known, how can we achieve the end of fulfilling life’s purpose. The means to fulfillment in life can be understood only by the study of Shastras. Quoting Bhagavan Veda Vyasa’s Brahma Sutra, “Tarkaaprathishthaanaad api anyathaa anumeyam iti ced evamapi avimoksha-prasangaH”, the Jagadguru said that pure logic cannot convey the essence of Reality. If one person puts forth a philosophical stance based purely on logic, there is always a possibility of another person with greater intellect and superior logic to counter the stance. The Supreme Truth can hence be ascertained only with firm backing of the knowledge of scriptures.
In this regard, Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada has said “Vakyaarthasca vicaaryataam shrutishiraH paksha samaashreeyatam | Dustarkaat suviramyataam Shrutimatastarko’nusandheeyataam ||”
The logic that is studied is only for the knowing the Tattva. Hence as our sincerity in the study of Shastras increases, the clarity of our understanding the Tattva increases. Logic may be used to understand the various branches of the Shastras; however it must be kept in mind that the various branches are all concerned with the means to the ultimate objective of life.
The proponent of Nyaya darshanam, Maharshi Akshapada (Gautama) states in His Nyaya Sutra “tattvajnaanaat nishreyasaadhigamaH” that liberation can be obtained only by the knowledge of Reality.The proponent of Mimamsa darshanam, Maharshi Jaimini in His Sutra, “codanaalakshano’rtho dharmaH” conveys that the means of spiritual good that is sought by all is Dharma and begins his philosophical treatise.
Even in Sanskrit literature, we find messages conveying various morals pratibadhnati hi shreyaH pujyapujaa vyatikramaH – we will not benefit if we do not respect the deserving. We find many such statements in the works of great poets such as Sri Kalidasa and Sri Bharavi.
The Jagadguru concluded that the students should have sincerity in studying the Shastras and aim to fulfill their lives by adhering to the means prescribed therein.