However, Sri Baladeva, in the commentary on this verse, says some interesting things that deserve attention.
Referring to the doctrine of Shankara, the Acarya says:
Shankara is based on Vedic mantras such as “One without a second”, “Brahman is consciousness and happiness”, “does not admit diversity”, and others, according to which the Absolute Reality is suggested as non-dual, pure consciousness and nothing else, Brahman without qualities. Shankara suggests that Brahman possesses in himself the two functions of vidya and avidya. When he associates with vidya, Isvara’s consciousness is born and when he comes into contact with avidya he becomes that of jiva. In other words, the attributeless Brahman possesses in himself all opposites, from which come Isvara and jiva. However, when ajnana (whether presented as knowledge or ignorance) is eliminated, thanks to true knowledge of one’s own nature, Isvara and jiva cease to exist and only pure, attributeless and non-dual consciousness remains.
Sri Baladeva concludes his explanation with a phrase in which sarcasm is also glimpsed:
“What sin must Brahman have committed in order to have to suffer all kinds of confusion and pain?”
No Vaishnava Acarya would ever accept a theory that predicts the fall of the Supreme Lord. The sole purpose of this doctrine is to confuse those who want to remain confused.
Moreover, it seems to us that the Brahman of Advaitavadi, being nirguna, that is, devoid of qualities, possesses too many attributes.
Sri Jiva concludes the verse by pointing out that the natural differences and abilities of Isvara and the jivas are so distinct that they could never be the same. The idea is doomed by the same logic. In fact, the former controls Maya and the latter is controlled by her. The scriptures say that only if we take refuge in the lotus feet of the Lord would it be possible to win our battle against deception. If jiva were that Lord, it is not clear why he should submit to someone else, nor to whom he should surrender.
This is a section of the book “Tattva Sandarbha”, in English.
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