C. L. RAMAKRISHNAN

ISTA SIDDHI VIVARANAM: by Anubhutiswaroopacharya: Critical Study by R. Krishnamurthi Sastrigal; pub. by Adi Sankara Advaita Research Centre, New No.17 (Old No.8A), Bishop Wallers Avenue (West), Mylapore, Chennai-600004. Rs. 400.This is a study on the magnum opus Ista Siddhi of Vimuktatman, in the light of the commentary thereon by Anubhutiswaroopacharya, titled Ista Siddhi Vivaranam. This volume also has an English translation, which has enabled its reach to a wider public. This publication has been made possible by the author's scholarship, guidance of N.Veezhinathan and S.N.Sastri who has translated this work in English. It draws support from a variety of authorities on Advaita philosophy. The work is divided into six chapters: identity, date and works of Anubhutiswaroopacharya; maya-avidya; Brahman-Jiva; the world; liberation (Jivanmukti and Videhamukti) and the concluding chapter on the nature of Maya and other philosophical concepts, and refutation of other schools. The text of all the eight chapters of the Ista Siddhi Vivaranam has been provided at the end for reference.

Concepts

In the chapter dealing with Maya (Avidya), it has been convincingly argued that Maya is a positive entity on the authority of the Bhagavad Gita and the Samkshepa Sariraka. Maya is shown as indeterminable; whether it is one or many, its locus and content are discussed at length. In the chapter on Brahman, there are discussions on Brahman as bliss, its omniscience and indivisibility, the nature of Jiva. The fourth chapter is devoted to a consideration of the nature of the world. Various theories advanced by the different orthodox and heterodox schools have been examined in depth. The next chapter deals with liberation of the Jiva from transmigration- Jivanmukti and Videhamukti. The final chapter deals with the nature of Maya, distinction between the individual soul and Brahman, and the existence of Maya even in liberation. The last mentioned concept, in this work, opens up avenues for further research and consideration by scholars.A lot of terse arguments appear revealing the nature of philosophical dialectics and the trend of discussions, which make for progress in philosophical thought and enquiry. An excellent work to be read and re-read for it is rich in content. The author has to be congratulated for his effort in contributing to the knowledge of Advaita.