Hindu Article-Principle of surrender

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Principle of surrender

 

 

CHENNAI: One sure method of realising God is self-surrender to the

Lord for He has promised full protection to those who seek refuge in

Him. This is a mutually binding act on both the devotee and the Lord

and is described as the principle of Saranagathi.

 

The great epic Ramayana is hailed as the Sastra of Saranagathi, for

it illustrates this principle that is central to the Vaishnavaite

tradition, through practical demonstration and enactment, said

Velukkudi Sri V. Krishnan in a lecture.

 

In this principle of Saranagathi, both the individual seeking refuge

(Saranagathan) and the person offering protection (Saranyan) are

expected to fulfil certain qualifications and requirements. Of the

former is demanded an implicit faith in the Lord's power to protect

the devotee, and the genuine realisation of his utter helplessness to

protect himself, and of the fact that he has no other refuge except

the Lord. Of the latter is expected the absolute power and

responsibility of offering refuge. Herein while the omnipotence of

the Lord is stressed, there is also implied His approachable

disposition (Saulabya) that makes Him also full of mercy and

compassion towards all, irrespective of considerations like birth,

caste, status and so on.

 

When Vibhishana seeks Lord Rama's refuge at Sugriva's camp, all the

conditions are in proper accordance. Vibhishana has abandoned

everything, son, friends, wife, and brother. Being a staunch upholder

of the code of Dharma, he is unable to accede to the Adharmic ways of

Ravana, and finds it intolerable to continue in Lanka. He comes empty

handed, but with absolute faith and hope of being accepted by Rama.

 

In his condition, it is clear that he has no other refuge except

Rama. Rama's acceptance of Vibhishana's surrender reveals the Lord's

omnipotence and His trust in Vibhishana's request. Overriding all

protests arising from the fact that he comes from the enemy camp, the

Lord accepts him and reiterates His vow of offering refuge to all who

sincerely seek His feet. In two other instances as well, namely the

surrender of the Devas to Lord Narayana that was instrumental in the

incarnation as Rama, and Lakshmana's surrender seeking permission to

accompany Rama to the forest, the necessary requirements for the

success of the surrender are met.

 

 

CHENNAI: One sure method of realising God is self-surrender to the

Lord for He has promised full protection to those who seek refuge in

Him. This is a mutually binding act on both the devotee and the Lord

and is described as the principle of Saranagathi.

 

The great epic Ramayana is hailed as the Sastra of Saranagathi, for

it illustrates this principle that is central to the Vaishnavaite

tradition, through practical demonstration and enactment, said

Velukkudi Sri V. Krishnan in a lecture.

 

In this principle of Saranagathi, both the individual seeking refuge

(Saranagathan) and the person offering protection (Saranyan) are

expected to fulfil certain qualifications and requirements. Of the

former is demanded an implicit faith in the Lord's power to protect

the devotee, and the genuine realisation of his utter helplessness to

protect himself, and of the fact that he has no other refuge except

the Lord. Of the latter is expected the absolute power and

responsibility of offering refuge. Herein while the omnipotence of

the Lord is stressed, there is also implied His approachable

disposition (Saulabya) that makes Him also full of mercy and

compassion towards all, irrespective of considerations like birth,

caste, status and so on.

 

When Vibhishana seeks Lord Rama's refuge at Sugriva's camp, all the

conditions are in proper accordance. Vibhishana has abandoned

everything, son, friends, wife, and brother. Being a staunch upholder

of the code of Dharma, he is unable to accede to the Adharmic ways of

Ravana, and finds it intolerable to continue in Lanka. He comes empty

handed, but with absolute faith and hope of being accepted by Rama.

 

In his condition, it is clear that he has no other refuge except

Rama. Rama's acceptance of Vibhishana's surrender reveals the Lord's

omnipotence and His trust in Vibhishana's request. Overriding all

protests arising from the fact that he comes from the enemy camp, the

Lord accepts him and reiterates His vow of offering refuge to all who

sincerely seek His feet. In two other instances as well, namely the

surrender of the Devas to Lord Narayana that was instrumental in the

incarnation as Rama, and Lakshmana's surrender seeking permission to

accompany Rama to the forest, the necessary requirements for the

success of the surrender are met.

 

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