2020, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part D

author(s)
Dr. Govindaraja Setty AG

abstract
Scientists study objective phenomenal world by questioning, hypothesizing, researching, investigating and logically concluding, which forms the enormous treasure of our empirical or pragmatic knowledge base. But theinsightful enquiry ‘WHO AM I?’ is beyond the scope of science as the science deals only with objective world with reductionist, materialistic approach. Or at the most, science may say, ‘I am the conglomeration of body and mind’; and treats mind just a function of brain. However, from time immemorial, the jijñāsus (true seekers – Indian scientists – r̥ṣis) have raised this pertinent question forming the very nucleus of Indian Upaniṣadic knowledge base, the true investigation into oneself – Self Enquiry. Nothing can be the greatest purifier than the Self knowledge, say the Upaniṣads. Thus, it is a journey from ignorance to subjective knowledge. When all the scriptures of the world say what all they want to say and finish, the profoundest Vedānta message begins, makes the reader अन्तर्मुखि, concludes decisively, and there is nothing beyond to know.The upshot of this insightful knowledge is आत्यन्तिकदुःखनिवृत्तिःब्रह्मानन्दप्राप्तिश्च॥ Vedāntaalso says तत्ज्ञात्वापुमान्धीरोभवतिशान्तोभवतिअमृतोभवति॥ This article discusses the Indian Upaniṣadic model of wisdom to answer the question ‘Who am I?’- A truly commendable enquiry.