The Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol. 1 (of 4)Valmiki
Religion
The Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol. 1 (of 4)
Valmiki
Hinduism -- Doctrines -- Early works to 1800; Religious life -- Hinduism -- Early works to 1800
63. Whenever a causality is shown by a simile of something which is no
cause, there the simile is applied in some particular and not all its
general attributes.
64. The partial similitude of this comparison with some property of the
compared object, is unhesitatingly acknowledged by the learned in all
their illustrations.
65. The light of the sense (of some thing) is compared with a lamp in
its brightness only, in disregard of its stand or stick, the oil or the
wick.
66. The compared object is to be understood in its capacity of
admitting a partial comparison (of the properties); as in the instance
of sense and light, the simile consists in the brightness of both.
67. When the knowledge of the knowable thing is derived from some
particular property of the comparison, it is granted as a suitable
simile, in understanding the sense of some great saying (passage in the
scriptures).
68. We must not overshadow our intellect by bad logic, nor set at
naught our common sense by an unholy scepticism.
69. We have by our reasoning well weighed the verbosity of our
opinionative adversaries, and never set aside the holy sayings of the
Vedas, even when they are at variance with the opinions of our families.
70. O Ráma! we have stored in our minds the truths resulting from the
unanimous voice of all the Sástras, whereby it will be evident that
we have attained the object of our belief, apart from the fabricated
systems of heretical Sástras.
CHAPTER XIX.
ASCERTAINMENT OF TRUE EVIDENCE.
It is the similarity of some particular property (of one thing to that
of another) which constitutes a simile; whereas a complete similitude
between the comparison and compared object, destroys their difference
(and makes them the one and same thing).
2. From the knowledge of parables follows the cognition of the one soul
treated of in the Sástras (Vedánta); and the peace which attends on the
meditation of the Holy Word, is styled Extinction.
3. It is therefore useless to talk of either (the complete or partial)
agreement (of the properties) of the example and the exemplar; it is
enough to the purpose to comprehend the purport of the holy word in
some way or other.
4. Know your peace to be the chief good, and be diligent to secure the
same. When you have got the food for your eating, it is useless to talk
about how you came by it.
5. A cause is compared with (or shewn for its explication by) something
which is no cause at all: so is a comparison given to express its
partial agreement in some respect with the compared object.
6. We must not be so absorbed in the pleasures of the world as to be
devoid of all sensibility; like some blind frogs which are generated
and grow fat amidst the stones.
7. Be attentive to these parables and learn your best state from them;
all reasonable men should abide by the lessons of religious works for
their internal peace.
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