Brahma Sutras – According to Shankara 3-3-11

Topic 11 - The names ‘Ahar’ and ‘Aham’ of the Supreme Brahman as abiding in the sun and in the right eye respectively, given in Brih . 5. 5.1-2, cannot be combined, as these are two separate Vidyās

Sutra 3,3.20

संबन्धादेवमन्यत्रापि ॥ २० ॥

saṃbandhādevamanyatrāpi || 20 ||

saṃbandhāt—On account of the connection; evam—like this; anyatra—in other cases; api—also.

20. In other cases also (e.g. in the Vidyā of the Satya Brahman) on account of the connection (i.e. the object of the meditation being the Satya Brahman) (we have to combine particulars) like this (i.e. as in the Śāndilya Vidyā).

This Sutra sets forth the view of the opponent. “Satya is Brahman. . . . That which is Satya is that sun—the being who is in that orb and the being who is in the right eye” (Brih. 5. 5. 1-2).

This gives the abode of the Satya Brahman with respect to the gods and the body, and two secret names of the Satya Brahman are also taught in connection with these abodes; the former is ‘Ahar’ and the latter ‘Aham’.

Now on the analogy of the Śāndilya Vidyā, since the object of meditation is one, i.e. the Satya Brahman, we must combine the particulars. Therefore both the names ‘Ahar’ and ‘Aham’ have to be combined with respect to Satya Brahman.

Sutra 3,3.21

न वा, विशेषात् ॥ २१ ॥

na vā, viśeṣāt || 21 ||

na vā—Rather not; viśeṣāt—on account of difference.

21. Rather not (so) on account of the difference (of abode).

This Sutra refutes the view of the previous Sutra.

Though the Vidyā is one, still owing to difference in abodes the object of meditation becomes different; hence the different names. Therefore these cannot be exchanged or combined.

Sutra 3,3.22

दर्शयति च ॥ २२ ॥

darśayati ca || 22 ||

darśayati—(The scripture) declares; ca—also.

22. (The scripture) also declares (that).

The scripture distinctly states that the attributes are not to be combined, but kept apart; for it compares the two persons, the person in the sun and in the right eye.

If it wanted the particulars to be combined, it would not institute such a comparison.