SRTS- Rev. Fr. Clooney's queries

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas:

In a mail, Rev. Fr. Clooney (SJ: Society of Jesus) clooney

who is doing research on Swami Desika’s “Srimad Rahasya Traya saaram” had

raised a few points.

As I thought you may also be interested, I am forwarding the same with my

replies to him for your information.

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

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1. I have been reading the Rahasya Traya Sara with some students, and

regarding ch.18, Aparadha Parihara, they (and I) have wondered about the

meaning of punah prapatti - if prapatti is a one-time decisive event of

surrender, what is the meaning of the repetition as prayascittam.

 

Answer:

Prapatti for securing liberation (mOksham) is to be done ONLY ONCE.

Since, we carry our body till death also as a result of our karma

(karmaadeenam) and we are yet subject to the vagaries of the various guNas

(Sattva, RajO and TamO) and Vaasanas (carry over of impressions), even a

Prapanna is likely to commit some indiscretions knowingly or unknowingly.

While those that occur unknowingly will not attach to the Prapanna, those

that occur knowingly will have to be expatiated by one or more of the

following:

• Feeling remorse

• Determining not to commit the same again

• Undergoing what is known as “Praayaschitta Prapatti” (atonement)

It is to this that Swami Desika refers as “Punah Prapatti” in the said

Chapter. “Praayaschitta” Prapatti is NOT for ‘MOksham” but to get rid of

sins accumulated in the Post-prapatti period. This is because there should

be a nil balance of Paapa and PuNya at the time of leaving the mortal coil

(DehaavasaanE) to attain “mOksham”

 

 

2. Are both the original prapatti and punah prapatti ritualized in a public

or semi-public fashion, or are they private events?

 

Answer

As with all “mantrOpadesams” (Initiation into the esoteric mantras), it has

to be done in private, known as “a-shat-karNam” which means “Not five ears).

As there cannot be 5 ears, it boils down to 4 ears, namely 2 of the Achaarya

and 2 of the Sishya.

 

3. Regarding my own research on the RTS, I would like to meet experts on the

RTS when in Chennai in July-August – suggestions as to who I should meet?

 

Answer:

There are too many Acharyas and Scholars in India (to catalogue here) who

can clear all your doubts in this regard. I am arriving at Chennai on 20th

May 2005 and will be proceeding to Srirangam for the release of my next book

“Myths, Miracles and Mysticism in Hinduism” on 8th June 2005. I will be

returning to USA by 8th August 2005. You may contact me at Chennai # 2657

3246, when you come to India. Please let me have your itinerary so we can

coordinate our program to meet with each other. I will introduce you to some

of them.

 

4. But I am also interested in how the RTS reflects the piety of the

community - how best to learn about how the RTS is significant for

Srivaisnavas today?

 

Answer:

RTS lays down the norms one should follow (not only SrivaishNavas). As in

any religion, much depends on how people take it in their observance. The

general belief is that one who takes to the study and practice of RTS will

be naturally pious enough. Again, it is in the “beholder’s eye”!

 

5. Do you think there is much appreciation of the text in the USA?

 

Answer:

When I first came to USA in 1987, people in USA (including Indians who had

lost their moorings having left India for long) equated Hinduism with

Buddhism and then on with Adhi Sankara’s Advaitam as the flag staff of our

religion. During the period following, thanks to the efforts of many

SrivaishNava sites and gatherings,(including primarily “Swami Desika Darsana

Satasangam” and “Sri Ranga Sri”) people have come to realize the existence

and importance of Bhagavad Ramanuja – Swami Desika Darsanam, the cardinal

bottom -line of which is this concept of “Prapatti”. I believe that there

has been an awakening and better appreciation of the concept now. I have

received reports from many who have heard me and read my books that as a

result thereof they had gone back to India and performed at the feet of

Achaaryas “Prapatti” and report that there has been a sea change in their

attitude and value systems.

 

I know you devote a considerable section of your Hinduism Reconsidered to

the RTS.

Thanks.

 

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy