Hindu Article-Path to liberation

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Path to liberation

CHENNAI: In the traditional line of preceptors who have clarified the

truths of the Upanishads and the Vedas, and fostered a system of

worship and life of self-discipline and devotion, Ramanuja's

contribution is exceptional, and continues to influence the lives of

many. He has stressed the validity of the Upanishads as the source of

true knowledge and based on their authority, he has derived the

Visishtadvaita system of philosophy. This philosophy establishes that

Brahman is Truth and manifests itself as the universe including the

sentient and insentient. If the universe is the body, Brahman is the

soul that animates it.

Ramanuja's greatest role is pointing out the road to salvation

through the principle of Saranagathi, self-surrender, said Sri

Ramanujachari in a lecture. The Upanishads contain the knowledge of

the nature of Reality, and also point out the means to know it, and

the ways to attain the ultimate goal of human endeavour, liberation.

Ramanuja believed that knowledge of the Reality (that includes the

nature of the universe, its creator, and of ourselves in relation to

it) is necessary to realise God. It is important to acquire this

knowledge from the scriptures and preceptors. When assimilated, this

knowledge evolves into Bhakti and the seeker then offers himself at

God's feet, promising to perform the ordained actions, avoid the

prohibited ones, realise God's omnipotence and his own helplessness.

God, the embodiment of compassion, showers his grace on the aspirant.

Believed to be an incarnation of Adisesha, Ramanuja devoted his life

to service. At a time when there was religious persecution, Ramanuja

played a very important role in protecting the Vaishnavaite

tradition. Even at a very early age, his preceptors recognised his

tremendous brilliance. Being well versed in the Vedas and Upanishads,

he quickly grasped the essential truths in them and saw the same

truths reflected in the devotional hymns of the Azhwars. It is said

that he made known to one and all, the sacred and secret Ashtakshara

mantra, the benevolent name of Narayana, which he learnt with great

difficulty from Thiru Koshtiyur Nambi, a great preceptor. Such was

his compassion for fellow human beings. Ramanuja's divine calling and

the nature of tasks on hand made him take up sanyasa, so that he

could devote his full time and energy to his work.

 

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