complete the paragraph

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complete the paragraph

by harsh.champ » Sat Feb 06, 2010 2:29 am
In the philosophy of the Vedanta, matter is not an entity isolated from the realm of eternity but is merely
an appearance of the Eternal through space, time and causation. The activities of the material world are
all consciously directed towards the fulfillment of the cosmic purpose of Self-realisation. Matter is not an
unwilling self but a willing cooperator in the grand scheme of the cosmos. Matter appears to be an
impediment when the Spirit is forgotten, but when one consciously and deliberately puts forth efforts
towards the realisation of the Spirit in one's own self, one would discover that the material universe
becomes a stepping stone in the process of this grand ascent.


(A)The material pursuits are a stepping stone to the ultimate realization of self.
(B)There is but a thin line of demarcation between the inert and the alert, and ultimately both are a pre-requisite to the fulfillment of the real purpose in life
(C)Though material universe is not eternal, the spirit and the cosmic purpose are.
(D)In the realm of Vedanta, material world is part of the grand scheme of things in which selfrealisation is the ultimate purpose.
(E)Vedanta defines matter as the expression of the spirit through space, time and causation.




The ans is D.

Seeking problem approach!!
Source: — Critical Reasoning |

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by mohit11 » Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:18 pm
Best approach to this question is.. .Guess and move on.

Understanding this question in a test scenario will take about 5 minutes, then 2 more minutes to go through the answer choices (If you understand the question stimuli that is) ..Further, this seems more like a LSAT Problem.

Any how, following is my approach to the problem.

According to Vedanta - Matter =/= Entity isolated from the realm of eternity
Matter = Appearance of the Eternal through space, time and causation

Next, within the mumbo jumbo, the question stimulus tells us that Matter actually helps a person towards achieving the realization of spirit in his or her own self ..

Answer choices.


(A)The material pursuits are a stepping stone to the ultimate realization of self. - Attractive, but lets keep looking.
(B)There is but a thin line of demarcation between the inert and the alert, and ultimately both are a pre-requisite to the fulfillment of the real purpose in life - Too vague, OUT
(C)Though material universe is not eternal, the spirit and the cosmic purpose are. - Too vague, OUT
(D)In the realm of Vedanta, material world is part of the grand scheme of things in which self realisation is the ultimate purpose. - Attractive, lets keep it and evaluate later.
(E)Vedanta defines matter as the expression of the spirit through space, time and causation - Restating the premises. Not cool. OUT

Between A and D, i feel A repeats the premises, though in a slightly different language, and D flows from the premises. Hence i'll go with D.

Mind you, chances of getting this one wrong are much higher on the actual test. Phew..Couldn't find a more difficult question eh!