Monthly Highlights – October 25

A Shastra Sabha is an assembly of scholars who have deeply studied the Shastras. It is a sacred gathering where they collectively deliberate upon specific subjects from the scriptures, engaging in thoughtful discussion and intellectual inquiry.

On the 23rd of this month, as part of the Telangana Dharma Vijaya Yatra,a Shastra Sabha was held at Shankara Math,Nallakunta,Hyderabad,under the divine guidance of Jagadguru SriSriSri Vidushekhara Bharati Swamiji.
Observing this Sabha enables one to understand vividly why such assemblies are conducted, what happens within them, and how they are organized.

In today’s times,when we often turn towards Artificial Intelligence for answers to every question,this Sabha served as a reminder that the questions pertaining to our ancient Indian intellectual traditions cannot always find their truth in the responses generated by machines.

During the discussion on Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar), scholars deliberated for nearly an hour and a half on the proper interpretation of the sentence “Devadattaḥ taṇḍulam pachati”.

Listening to this discussion offered deep insights into how a single word in Sanskrit can carry multiple shades of meaning, how precise definitions are derived, and how carefully one must approach the interpretation of each Shastric statement.When words themselves are layered with such complexity, understanding their contextual meanings in each discipline becomes a sacred and meticulous process.

Such Sabhas are noble efforts by learned scholars to preserve and safeguard the inherited wisdom of our tradition,ensuring that the continuum of knowledge passed down through generations remains free from distortion.

When such an assembly takes place in the divine presence of the Jagadguru, it is indeed as though one has received the very approval of the Divine Mother herself, the embodiment of Mahavidya — the Supreme Knowledge.

For the general public,these Sabhas serve as windows into the vast expanse of Indian intellectual heritage. They introduce us to the diversity and depth of the Shastras and help us appreciate the precision with which our Rishis transmitted these disciplines without compromising their essence.

Even without complete proficiency in Sanskrit, anyone with command over their mother tongue can understand much of what is being discussed — for being born in this sacred land itself grants one a natural connection to its wisdom.

We often hear that Shastra means “that which instructs” — that which lays down how, when, and in what manner a thing should be done.

To truly understand why Shastra is considered the ultimate authority and the grandeur of its principles, one must witness the intellectual rigor and respectful debate that unfold in these Sabhas.

In ancient times, kings sought the guidance of Acharyas — to ensure the prosperity of their kingdoms, to overcome enemies, and to understand the ultimate goal of human life.
By observing the nature of discussions in such Sabhas, one realizes why rulers of the past turned to spiritual and philosophical wisdom for counsel and also gains a glimpse of the splendor of the Shastras.

If we can witness such Shastra Sabhas ourselves and also introduce them to our children, inspiring in them a love for scriptural knowledge, we would be fulfilling our duty of nurturing worthy heirs to our Dharma.

As part of the Telangana Dharma Vijaya Yatra,it was indeed a divine blessing that our Acharyas — Dr.Jammalamadaka Suryanarayana garu and Dr.Jammalamadaka Srinivas garu — participated in the Shastra Sabha held under the guidance of Jagadguru SriSriSri Vidushekhara Bharati Swamiji.

The video shared here presents the discussions of Dr.Jammalamadaka Suryanarayana garu,an eminent scholar of Nyaya and Vedanta, during the Sabha.
He elaborated, with insightful examples, on the fundamental concepts of Vada (forms of reasoning) in Nyaya Shastra —

• What is Jalpa (a contentious or quarrelsome debate)?

   

• Under what circumstances does a discussion become Jalpa?

   

• What are the different types of Chhala (fallacies or deceptive arguments)?

   

• What distinguishes one type from another?

   

Understanding these principles helps us discern the intent and nature of those who engage in debate with us.

During the discourse, Jagadguru SriSriSri Vidushekhara Bharati Swamiji beautifully referenced the examples used by Adi Sankaracharya during his debate with Mandana Mishra, making the moment a true feast for the eyes and soul.

When we read about the events described in Sankara Vijayam, it is often difficult to imagine how Adi Shankaracharya might have spoken or explained profound ideas.
But this Sabha offered a glimpse of that very atmosphere — allowing the audience to feel and rejoice in the living tradition of philosophical dialogue.

To speak in the presence of the Jagadguru is, indeed, like speaking before Bhagavan Sankara himself,blessed by the grace of Goddess Sarada.
Such a sacred fortune, we believe, is a result of the grace of Goddess Kameswari, whose cool, wide, and compassionate glance — “dṛśā drāghī yasyā dara-daḷita nīlotpala rucā” — bestows divine blessings wherever we are.

With deep reverence and devotion, we offer our humble salutations at the holy feet (Sricharanas) of the Jagadguru, who graciously granted us this divine opportunity.