Learn the Art of Proper Arguing

Question: Some argue that scriptural references quoted by Śrīla Jīva Goswāmī in Tattva Sandarbha regarding the authenticity of the Purāṇas and their being the fifth Veda is a misinterpretation. They say that such verses do not mention the eighteen Purāṇas of the present time such as Śrīmad Bhāgavatam or Viṣṇu Purāṇa. Rather they talk about ancient legends/stories of the Vedas that were discussed during yajñas. They are different from the present-day books called Purāṇas.

How do we answer such arguments?

Answer: If you want to argue with them, please learn the art of arguing. One of the techniques is not to be apologetic but to throw back the burden of proof on them. This person has simply made a statement without any proof, and you got on your toes to answer him. Just ask him, “What is the proof of your claim?” He has made a claim without substantiating it and Śrī Jīva Gosvāmi gives a reference for everything. So why shall we believe his claim? He should first disprove what Śrī Jiva Gosvāmi writes with some pramāṇa.  A claim is not the same as proof. Anyone can claim anything. That is very easy. But if one wants one’s claim to be accepted by others then one has to substantiate it with pramāna. Otherwise it does not have much value.

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Question: There is a book called Yugma-tattva-samīkśā, which refutes the Gauḍīya’s parakīyā bhāva. Has our parakīyā bhāva, which was protected by Viśvanātha Cakravarti Ṭhākur been refuted?

Answer: Yes, this book is written by Bhagirath Jha of Nimbārka Sampradāyā.

Question: Is their refutation of parakīyā rasa vichāra valid? Do the Gauḍīyas have nothing in reply? Are they just tolerating that refutation?

Answer: You are right. The Gauḍīyas have nothing. I do not know how many Gauḍīyas even know about it. So you can say that those who know are the ones who are tolerating it. If you many more to tolerate it, then make it known to others. The book is out of print long ago. You can reprint the book and distribute it to Gauḍīyas so that they are forced to tolerate because I doubt that anyone will care to refute it.

Question: Why aren’t Gauḍīyas giving a reply to them? I have heard that if ācāryas’ books or philosophy are attacked, then their disciples should not even have food until they refute them.

Answer: Are you a Gauḍīya? If yes, you should refute this book, and do not eat until you have done so. If no, then don’t bother about it because it is not your problem. I am sure you have better things to do.

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Question: In Brahma-Vaivarta Purāṇa and Garga-Saṁhitā, there is a story regarding the marriage of Śrī Rādhā and Mādhava conducted by Lord Brahmā. How can we reconcile it with the view of our previous ācāryas who accept parakīya? Also, Śrī Viśvānatha Cakravartī Ṭhākura, while refuting svakīyavāda, does not mention this story anywhere.

Answer: There are various prakāśa manifestations of Vṛndāvana. In some prakāśas, Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are married. But that prakāśa is not our goal. That is not what is described in Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.