A Bengali Vaishnava Contribution to Vedånta: Baladeva Vidyåbhüsana on the Word ‘atha’ in the Brahmasütra 1.1.1: Journal of Vaishnava Studies

Abstract

In this paper, I examine a contribution of Bengali Vaishnavism to the Vedåntic discussion on the first word of the Brahmasütras (BraSü). The BraSü 1.1.1 declares, ‘athåto brahmajijñåså (Then, therefore, desire to understand Brahman).’ The word ‘atha (then)’ implies a connection between the inquiry into Brahman and that which precedes such an inquiry. Thus the word has provoked discussion among the prominent commentators on the BraSü, concerning what are the prerequisites of a person who desires to engage in the study of Brahman.