Availability of Vedarthasangraha translation

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Dear Friends,

 

Sri Ramanuja's "Vedarthasangraha" was translated into English

many years ago by the late Sri S.S. Raghavachar. Typical of

Dr. Raghavachar's writing, the translation is very readable

and conveys the grace and magnificence of Sri Ramanuja's words.

The work was published by Ramakrishna Ashrama and and had

the added advantage of containing the original Sanskrit.

Unfortunately, this edition has been out of print for several

years, making it even harder for someone to study the original

works of Sri Ramanuja.

 

Thankfully, Advaita Ashrama, one of the branches of the

Ramakrishna Mission, has recently reprinted this excellent

edition. I highly recommend this work for those who want

to get first-hand experience of Sri Ramanuja's brilliance.

Unlike Sribhashya or the Gitabhashya which by virtue of being

commentaries impose some restrictions on the author,

Vedarthasangraha is a free-flowing work entirely of

Sri Ramanuja's creation. Though the intention is to primarily

explore the meaning of 'tat tvam asi' and other significant

Vedanta vakyas, he discusses many other issues in a style

that is at once energetic, witty, and convincing.

Prof. M. Hiriyanna described it as "an independent treatise

explaining in a masterly way his philosophic position, and

pointing out the basis for it in the Upanishads."

 

I don't know payment details, etc., but the Swami at

Advaita Ashrama informed that they will airmail it to those

who are interested. Please email advaita and

address the letter to Swami Urukramananda, who will reply

and give you more information.

 

I should point out that the larger the response is to this

republication, the easier it will be to keep such an outstanding

translation in print. Usually publishing houses like Advaita

Ashrama print 1000 copies which sell slowly over several years,

forcing them to take a heavy short-term loss. This makes them

reluctant to reprint these works regularly. There is a real

dearth of good English translations of Sri Ramanuja's works and

works of our tradition in general. I urge all of you to

least contact Advaita Ashrama to inquire about the book, and

if at all possible, to purchase it for yourselves and the future

generations of your family.

 

adiyen ramanuja dasan,

Mani