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The System of the Vedanta according to Badarayana's Brahma-Sutras and Cankara's Commentary c2: Acknowledgment

The System of the Vedânta according to Bâdarâyana's Brahma-Sûtras and Çankara's Commentary c2

Language
English

Acknowledgment

c2.1

The thanks of the Author and Translator are tendered to Dr. PAUL CARUS, for his help in the Publication of this work; to Mr. E. T. STURDEY for valuable aid in revising the manuscript; and to Dr. J. BRUNE and Mr. LEOPOLD CORVINUS for help during the printing of the English version.

c2.2

Then, in the *Brahma Sûtras*, we have the reservoir, foursquare, where the sacred waters are assembled in ordered quiet and graded depth, to be distributed by careful measure for the sustenance of the sons of men.

c2.3

What shall we say, then, of the Master Çañkara? Is he not the Guardian of the sacred waters, who, by his Commentaries, has hemmed about, against all impurities or Time's jealousy, first the mountain tarns of the *Upanishads*, then the serene forest lake of the *Bhagavad Gîtâ*, and last the deep reservoir of the *Sûtras*; adding, from the generous riches of his wisdom, lovely fountains and lakelets of his own, the *Crest Jewel*, the *Awakening*, the *Discernment*?

c2.4

And now, in this our day, when the ancient waters are somewhat clogged by time, and their old courses hidden and choked, you come as the Restorer, tracing the old, holy streams, clearing the reservoir, making the primal waters of life potable for our own people and our own day; making them easier of access also, and this is near to both our hearts, for the children's children of those who first heard Çañkara, in the sacred land where he lived his luminous days.

c2.5

So the task is done. May the Sages look on it with favor. May the sunlit waters once more flow in life-restoring streams, bringing to the world the benediction of spiritual light.

c2.6

Believe me, as ever,

c2.7

Cordially yours

c2.8

CHARLES JOHNSTON.

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