A New Gaudiya Vaisnava Web Site for Ideas and Discussion
by Babhru das
We live in times best characterized by the need to define the spiritual, times ripe for the resurgence of metaphysics. Not only has science failed to retire the “why” questions that arise spontaneously in human consciousness, but philosophy has also thought-drained its well dry. Bridging the metaphysics of the East and the philosophical traditions of the West, we propose a return to active discourse between humanity and divinity, which is the essence of revelation. This holds far more potential for fulfilling humanity’s essential needs than unbridled intellectual exercise and the licensing of technology to change the nature of nature. In such dialogue, reason shines as an aspect of faith, and faith itself is the illuminating embrace of truth, rather than mere belief. Science, technology, and philosophy should all be harnessed—tied to revelation—in pursuit of improving the quality of life and knowing well the truth of material impermanence, which facilitate not only the betterment of our material conditions as long as they last, but our quest for enduring happiness as well.
Therefore, I am pleased to announce the launch of The Harmonist, a Web site dedicated to bridging the gap between East and West, between mind and spirit, between philosophy and revelation. The Harmonist publishes articles illuminating the philosophical conclusions of Gaudiya Vedanta, often by way of interfacing with other spiritual and philosophical traditions in a way that honors these traditions in their own right. It also publishes articles commenting on
issues of the day, both within the Gaudiya Vaisnava community and the world at large. It focuses as well on news articles relevant to the greater spiritual community and the importance of sustainable living, which it views as the best way of living in this world while pursuing transcendence.
The Harmonist seeks to both facilitate and take part in this discussion—the conversation that is the human response to revelation grounded in Vedanta. Our focus is also devotional Vedanta and the
In addition to articles, a classroom, videos, and comics, the Harmonist encourages lively discussion among members and visitors with a robust comments feature. Check out www.harmonist.us and join the discussion!
1 comment:
Hare Krishna
I have checked-out the site. Nice and Congrats. I'll read it regularly. Surely I'll get something nice there.
You said: We publish articles illuminating the philosophical conclusions of Gaudiya Vedanta, often by way of interfacing with other spiritual and philosophical traditions in a way that honors these traditions in their own right.
Nice idea but I wonder how can one effectively do this without taking away the focus of CVism from our foundational acharyas conception of what bhakti-yoga is about.
In addition, how helpful would that interface be? If its only as a general interaction to the God conception, like an epistemological interaction, I honestly don't see why that would be needed as it will not add more to the Vedic-Bhagavatam philosophy framework.
Having had explored about 7 schools of thoughts (east-west), I can say that our advaita dvaita philosophy encompasses whatever is there in other schools of thoughts.
Don't get me wrong. I also read philosophical/religious materials outside of GVism. Maybe this is also ponderings on my part: if what I'm doing is ultimately beneficial.Nevertheless, I feel that if we feel we need outside reading to better expand our understanding of this reality we are bound up at the moment I recommend ponderings of scientists , physicists especially. They can open up for us a broader understanding of reality than Huston's or K Armstrong's ( I have her a History of God book). Besides science is neutral.
Anyway, check-out physicist Paul Davies' The Mind of God (science and the search for the ultimate meaning) which I'm reading at the moment. It's brilliant. I heard he is sort of influenced by eastern pantheism or advaita.
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