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When Descartes, Vedanta try to know the self (published in TOI on 5/02/24)

René Descartes, a 17th-century French philosopher, introduced the statement "I think, therefore I am", as a fundamental element of his philosophical method of self enquiry. He began by doubting everything, even the existence of the external world, to find an undoubtful and undeniable starting point to know the self.

In his meditations, Descartes realized that while he could doubt everything, he couldn't doubt the fact that he was doubting. The very act of doubt required a thinking entity. From this realization, he formulated the famous proposition that thinking is evidence of existence – if one is doubting, questioning, or thinking in any way, it implies the existence of a thinking self.It underscores the primacy of consciousness and self-awareness in the process of philosophical inquiry.


The philosophical concepts of "I think, therefore I am"  and  "Neti, Neti" as well as "Tat Tvam Asi" of vedanta share common threads of self-inquiry and understanding but unfold within distinct philosophical frameworks and have distinct emphases.


While proposition "I think, therefore I am" serves as a foundational certainty and centers on self-awareness and establishes a starting point for knowledge, "Neti, Neti" (“not this,not this”) is a method of negation, where seekers systematically negate aspects of the self and the world to reach an understanding of the ultimate reality (Brahman). It provides a comprehensive framework, extending beyond mere thinking processes to encompass various dimensions of existence.


"Neti, Neti" is indeed a broader and more expansive framework for understanding the true nature of reality through systematic negation. It involves a systematic negation of various aspects of the self and the world to arrive at an understanding of the ultimate reality or true nature (Brahman). It encompasses not only the material world and thinking processes but also extends to the negation of the body, mind, and other aspects of the phenomenal world.


Similarly "Tat Tvam Asi," translating to "That Thou Art," is highlighting the inquiry into the nature of the self and the realization of its identity with the ultimate reality. This concept goes beyond thinking, involving a profound experiential understanding achieved through spiritual insight and contemplation.It conveys the idea that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is identical to the individual self (Atman). This concept emphasizes the unity of the individual soul with the cosmic reality, highlighting the interconnectedness of all existence.


While both Descartes and Vedanta explore the nature of self-awareness and existence, "Tat Tvam Asi" goes beyond individual thinking and self-awareness to assert a profound identity between the individual self and the ultimate reality. The Vedantic concept is more inclusive, addressing the oneness of all existence, whereas Descartes' focus remains on the certainty of individual consciousness.


However, these three philosophical ideas collectively illustrate diverse approaches to self-inquiry and understanding, offering valuable perspectives for contemplation.


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