Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A : Purushvishesh is called Iswar which is the Vacchaya of Pranava. Reason R : Ishwar is not the Guru of ancestors because he is not bound with the time. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

Remember the important Yoga Sutras: \[ \textit{Tasya vācakaḥ praṇavaḥ} \] \[ \text{Praṇava (Om)} \rightarrow \text{Expression of Ishwara} \] and \[ \textit{Sa pūrveṣām api guruḥ kālenānavacchedāt} \] \[ \text{Ishwara is the Guru of even the ancient teachers} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: In the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Ishwara is described as: \[ \textit{Purusha-vishesha} \] meaning a special Purusha untouched by afflictions, actions, and karmic impressions. Patanjali also states: \[ \textit{Tasya vācakaḥ praṇavaḥ} \] which means: \[ \text{Praṇava (Om) is the expression or symbol of Ishwara.} \] Thus, Ishwara is identified as the special Purusha whose Vāchaka is Praṇava.

Step 1: Analyze Assertion A.
Assertion A states: \[ \text{Purushvishesh is called Ishwar which is the Vāchya of Pranava.} \] This statement is true because:
• Ishwara is described as a special Purusha.
• Praṇava (Om) is the Vāchaka (expression) of Ishwara. Hence, Assertion A is correct.

Step 2: Analyze Reason R.
Reason R states: \[ \text{Ishwar is not the Guru of ancestors because he is not bound with time.} \] This statement is false because the Yoga Sutra actually states: \[ \textit{Sa pūrveṣām api guruḥ kālenānavacchedāt} \] Meaning: \[ \text{``Ishwara is the Guru even of the ancient teachers because he is not limited by time.''} \] Thus, Ishwara is the Guru of the ancients.

Step 3: Examine the relationship between A and R.

• Assertion A is true.
• Reason R is false because it incorrectly denies Ishwara as Guru of the ancients. Therefore: \[ \text{A is true but R is false} \]

Step 4: Identify the correct option.
Since Assertion A is true and Reason R is false, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{A is true but R is false}} \]