Prapatti

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SRIMATHE RAMANUJAYA NAMAHA

APPAN THIRUVADIGALE SARANAM

 

 

Dear Pattangi swamin, You have asked for mails on Prapatti, saranagathi and

saramaslokam as there are misinformation on other lists.

 

This topic is one of the fundamental differences of issues between Thenkalai and

vadakalai schools of thoughts.

 

There seems to be no appreciable difference (though some was in existence) till

one or two centuries from the demise of Manavala Mamunikal.In fact there was

difference of opinion between Sri Vedantha Desikar and Sri Pillai Lokachariar.

As Manavala mamunikal address Sri Vedantha Desikar as Abhiyuktar it may be

considered that there was no split during his time. Later, (in adiyen’s

conjecture) the Islamic invasion and later political,social and economic changes

gave an opportunity for the deepening of differences to culminate in a split.

 

Much have been written on Prapatti.

 

The Vadakalai school accepts both bhakti and prapatti as the means for

attainment of moksha.

 

The Tenkalai school does not accept bhakti as a means or upaya. They state that

accepting or adopting bhakti yoga as a means is against the nature of the

dependent soul. The soul is absolutely dependent on the Lord. So, he should not,

by himself, adopt bhakti yoga.

 

The Vadakalai school states that prapatti has to be a positive, specific act of

surrender, by the Jivatma to the Lord.

 

The Tenkalai school does not consider that a positive act of surrender is

necessary. They say that i) knowledge of the essential nature of the Jivatma,

and ii) mental acceptance (non-rejection) on the part of the Jivatma to Iswara

granting him salvation, are required. So the Jivatma need not specifically adopt

any means for salvation, as a positive act. He may, however, do good things and

service to God, for the pleasure of the Lord.

 

The Vadakalai school holds that a positive effort is necessary, on the part of

the Jivatma to attain the Lord's grace. The Lord can be accused of partiality or

unkindness, if He gives moksha to some and not to others. Further, the Lord

cannot grant moksha to all people. So, the Vadakalai school says that the Lord's

grace has to have some reason, like the efforts by the individual soul.

 

The Tenkalai school says that the Lord's grace (kripa) is spontaneous. He

grants moksha to those whom He likes.

 

The followers of the two schools of thoughts can live in peace and friendship

with above differences as it does not affect the fundamental nature of

Srivaishnavite Philosophy. But, on that account efforts to equate both as one

and the same or similar is not correct and should not be encouraged.

The basis for this difference is the emphasis on the importance of individual

soul by the Vadakalai

Whereas Thenkalai gives importance to Emperuman and the soul is his property. He

will look after it as he wishes. This is the way shown by Azhvars.

 

Another point to ponder is the participation of all in subjects like this.

Sufficient discussions had taken place earlier many times which younger

generation might not be aware of. Even Bhakti list(earlier postings) (General)

carries information on this topic.

So, Adiyen feel that it is enough if the position of Thenkalai school is

explained with sufficient authorities so that our members are not mislead.

Adiyen will attempt to do something in this direction.

 

 

Adiyen Ramanujadasan, T.Parthasarathy.