Lokayata and Advaita

[atanu]

Advaita Vedanta and Lokayata darshana-s, IMO, are the opposites. But, sometimes lokayata (or materialistic) tenets may be passed off/mistaken as advaita tenets. In my opinion, potential for such confusion exists since both these viewpoints may embrace monism.

So, my question is. Can Ramana Maharshi's teachings be misconstrued to make it appear identical to Lokayata philosophy? Or can Lokayata materialism be made to look like advaita?

For those who may not know either of these terms, the following links will help.

https://www.iep.utm.edu/adv-veda/
https://www.iep.utm.edu/indmat/

 

[sayak83]

Advaita Vedanta and Lokayata darshana-s, IMO, are the opposites. But, sometimes lokayata (or materialistic) tenets may be passed off/mistaken as advaita tenets. In my opinion, potential for such confusion exists since both these viewpoints may embrace monism.

So, my question is. Can Ramana Maharshi's teachings be misconstrued to make it appear identical to Lokayata philosophy? Or can Lokayata materialism be made to look like advaita?

For those who may not know either of these terms, the following links will help.

https://www.iep.utm.edu/adv-veda/
https://www.iep.utm.edu/indmat/

I am unaware of Ramana's teachings...but Vivekananda's teaching can't be mistaken with Lokayata (Brihaspati's) teachings.

 

[ajay0]

Yes, it is unfortunate that Advaita is being hijacked by charvaaks (atheists) to denote totally materialistic concepts foreign and even antithetical to Advaita .

The purpose of Advaita itself is being distorted by these charvaaks. I would have no issues if the charvaaks in question contributed to charvaak literature in their own threads, but going out of their way and distorting advaita for their agenda is ludicrous.

A strong fundamental of the Advaitan philosophy is thus....

Prajñānam brahma - Brahman is pure consciousness (Aitareya Upanishad 3.3 of the Rig Veda)

If this is not being adhered to, then the user in question should not be allowed to showcase the advaita tag, as it would be sheer dishonesty on his part, and an outright attempt to take advantage of the gullibility and ignorance of the westerners over here who are understandably ignorant of advaita.

It is exploitation of the innocent's gullibility and ignorance, and hence indecent for that matter.

 

[ajay0]

This Self is not to be attained by the weak" ( I.ii.23) - Katha Upanishad


This warning of the upanishads is proof that the unhealthy, weak and senile should not attempt the study of the Upanishads. It is only bound to result in delusion and distorted ideas of the Self or Brahman. It is worse when they start enthusiastically teaching others, as it results in compounding of the ignorance, making a difficult subject like Advaita much more difficult or impossibly difficult in the process.

 

[atanu]

I am unaware of Ramana's teachings...but Vivekananda's teaching can't be mistaken with Lokayata (Brihaspati's) teachings.

Can you please explain?

 

[Mlecch]

Ramana Maharshi taught his original method of meditation. He taught Advaita according to Tripura Rahasya.