Phala Sruti

[Guest guest]

Dear Sudarsan,

 

Thank you for seeking clarification why the ' Phala' in Phalasruti is called

'Sruti' in contrast to the 'Stuti' part.

 

Perhaps you would have noticed that I do not embark on indiscriminately

replying to any query asked by anybody at any time and at any forum just like

that, to show off my knowledge (in the process, revealing my ignorance ! ).

As you have raised the question in public, I will try to answer. But, I cannot

claim to be absolutely correct.

 

You also know that If, however, a query is addressed to my personal e. mail, I

would not fail to give a reply as best as I can . And, if I am not sure, I

refer back to our Acharyas to get an authoritative reply.

 

Regarding Phala sruti being called a "Sruti" in contrast to the "Stuti" part

of any Stotra, there is a vital difference between the two.

 

While Stuti or Stotra is addressed to the Lord or Thayar who are bound to take

note of the outpourings of the Bhakta composing the Stuti, the Phala part of

it is addressed to us, common folk who may be indifferent unless a clarion

call is administered to us since we are interested only in the Phala and will

pay any

' heed ' only if this is projected !.

 

In this part, the author commands our attention in the fashion of ' Hark',

'Listen'

and ' Lend me your ears'. As Sruti comes from the root ' Sru ' to hear,

obviously the exortation to us to ' hear ' what benefits could accrue to us by

reciting the Stuti. At least after listening to this, some of us may recite

the Stuti concerned and seek those benefits !.

 

I think that this is one of the reasons why Phalasruti carries the

appellation of Sruti.

 

Since you are in India, I think you can get a clarification from any of the

numerous scholars there. And, if you come up with any new light on the

subject, you may regale us with your inimitable style.

 

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy