Bhakthi Movement and Sri Ramanuja

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Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya and Bhakthi Movement:

-extract from the book –THE PATH OF RAMANUJA –

by Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran

 

Religion in India is more a direct experience than a

code of conduct and from an early age different

systems of margas (paths) have been prescribed for

attaining the goal, variously called liberation, bliss

and heaven. However the different margas are not

contradictory and in some respects they supplemented

each other; for example proficiency in Gnana-yoga,

Raja-yoga and Bhakthi-yoga are demanded from the

highest Sadhakas (devotees).

 

The word Bhakthi derived from the root bhaj by the

application of the ktin suffix, which expresses an

action, and means among other things service,

devotion, attachment, loyalty and homage.

 

The Bhakthi movement of the Alwars derived an impetus

and momentum in the hands of Sri Ramanuja. Sri

Vaishnavism is one of the pre-eminent traditions of

Hinduism. An unbroken lineage of teachers (the

Acharyas) and a wealth of literature in Tamil and

Sanskrit and the Vishistadvaitha philosophy form the

backbone of the Sri Vaishnava sect of Hindu religion.

Twelve Alwars lived their lives dedicated to

expressing their devotion to Maha Vishnu – considered

to be the supreme manifestation of Divinity in the

Vaishnava system of beliefs. These sains composed

verses in chaste Tamil, and revitalized the spirit of

the region, sparkling a renewal of devotional worship

in what is generally referred as Bhakthi Movement.

 

Sri Ramanuja was essentially a propagator of

Bhakthimarga –quoting him, “love and total surrender

alone would be the only way to receive the grace of

God”.

 

Vaishnavism as a school of thought and religion is

ancient. The original bhakthi movement spread with

vigour after the 10th century. It took religion to the

common man, to the lowest strata of society, those

classes to whom the highly formalized and Vedic

religion was beyond reach. Hence Bhakthi movement was

a social movement also.

 

Bhakthi according to the Alwars is not confined to the

worship of the image in the temple or singing

(devotional songs) but practicing in daily life the

principle of LOVE ALL and SERVE ALL. They practiced to

the letter the message as in Bhagavad Gita in the XII

Chapter:

“Adveshta Sarva bhoothaanam Maithram Karuna evacha

Nirimamo nirahamkaarah Sama dukka Sukha Kshami

 

(it means) One who does not hate any species of

creation, One who is kind and compassionate, One who

is humble, and treats joy and sorrow alike – he alone

is my dear devotee says Lord Krishna.

 

Basically Yakshagana – the folk drama of Karnataka –

is the product of Vaishnavite Bhakthimovement, and its

origin is connected with a wider historical situation.

In order to propagate and spread the message of

devotion it adopted the existing folk as well

classical literary forms and performances. It created

its own form. Most of the traditional theatre forms

are the result of this phenomenon. Hence there are

clear resemblances among the members of the

“Traditional Theatre Family” like Ankhia Nata (Assam),

Jathra (Bengal), Chau (Bihar, Bengal ), Prahlada Nata

(Orissa), Veedhi Natakam and Chindu (Andhra),

Terukoothu and Bhagavata Mela (Tamilnadu), Kathakali

(Kerala). Harinama Sankeerthanam (Chanting of the name

of God) also form part of the Bhakthi Movement.

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Om Namo Narayanaya

 

 

 

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