वेदान्त पारिजात सौरभ (भगवद् निम्बार्काचार्य - द्वैताद्वैत वेदान्त ब्रह्मसूत्र भाष्य सटीक)

viii PREFACE the sources of our knowledge of Him are discussed in this chapter. In Chapter II (Avirodhādhyāya), Nimbārka first refutes the rival views of Sāṁkhya-Yoga, Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika, Buddhism, Jainism, Śaivism and Śāktaism, and considers the problems of Jīva and Jagat, their natures and attributes and the manner in which they are related to Brahman. These two chapters are purely metaphysical and supply the philosophical foundations of the doctrine of Nimbārka. The remaining ones are chiefly of devotional and ethical interests. In Chapter III (Sādhanādhyāya), for example, the means of attaining Mokṣa (salvation), the nature and importance of meditations as mentioned in the Upanishads are discussed. In Chapter IV (Phalādhyāya), Nimbārka gives his views on Mokṣa, the fruit and the conditions of the Mukta (released) Jīvātman or soul, etc. According to him Mokṣa or salvation implies two conditions, namely, the attain- ment of qualities and nature similar to Brahman (Brahma-Svarūpa- lābha), and the full development of one's own individuality (Ātma- Svarūpa-lābha). This full development means the complete manifesta- tion of one's real nature as consciousness (Jñāna-Svarūpa) and bliss (Ānanda), untainted and unimpeded by matter which screens it during Saṁsāra, and deceives it into believing that it is self-sufficient and independent of Brahman. When, however, Mokṣa is attained, it is realized that it is dependent on Brahman as His organic part and in that sense non-different from Him. It implies the destruction of narrow egoity, but not the annihilation of individuality as is the goal of the Advaita school. Nimbārka's ideas on Mokṣa or salvation therefore are the logical outcome of his theistic mind which seeks to find a place for the devotional soul without completely merging it in Brahman. The first two chapters containing the metaphysical portion of the work is now issued as Volume I consisting of 474 pages. Volume II will comprise the remaining two chapters and indexes for both the volumes. The latter is expected also to be published during this year. B. S. GUHA, 29th February, 1940. General Secretary, Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal.