Sri Ramanujacarya's appearance day - his final instructions

[Guest guest]

(from the book by Naimisaranya das)

 

In response to [the request of his disciples], Ramanuja agreed to stay with

them for three more days. He ordered that all of his disciples should come

there, and, when they were assembled, he delivered his final instructions.

"Worship all Vaisnavas as you worship your guru," he told them. "Have faith

in the previous acaryas and never be controlled by the senses. Never be

satisfied simply by worldy knowledge. Study the scriptures which describe

the glories of the Supreme Lord. Transcendental knowledge can overcome the

pushings of the mind and senses. Be indifferent to the promptings of the

mind. Always relish the chanting of the holy name and qualities of the Lord.

The best way to serve the Lord is rendering service to his devotees. Never

follow the ways of a Vaisnava for material gain. Always endeavor for purity.

 

"Every day spend some time in contemplating the greatness of the spiritual

master, and every day study the teachings of the Vaisnava acaryas. Always

associate with those who are surrendered to the Lord. Avoid those who teach

paths other than devotional service and those interested in sensual

pleasures. One who sees the Deity as stone, the guru as an ordinary man, the

devotees in terms of caste or bodily designation, caranamna as ordinary

water, the holy name of the Lord as a mundane sound vibration, or the

Supreme Lord as one of the demigods, is certainly destined for hellish life"

When Yatiraja had finished speaking, the disciples questioned him further,

asking how they should conduct themselves while in this world.

 

Again Ramanujacarya instructed them, "One who has surrendered to Lord

Narayana should not be concerned about his future, depending always on the

Lord's mercy. All duties should be performed as acts of devotion to the Lord

and never for material gain.

 

"Study the Sri-bhasya and teach it to others - this service is the most

pleasing to the Lord. If this is not possible, then study the teachings of

other devotees and then instruct some disciples. If you are unable to do

this, then go to a holy place and reside there or go to Godavari and serve

the Lord there. If you cannot do this, then remain where you are and

surrender to your guru and meditate on the Vaisnava mantras. If all of these

are impossible, then simply seek out a pure-hearted Vaisnava and associate

with him constantly.

 

"Discriminate carefully between friends, enemies, and those who are

indifferent. Those who are Vaisnavas will be your friends, the atheists and

blasphemers wilt despise and hate you, and the worldly men will be

indifferent. Associate joyfully with the devotees, rigorously avoid the

blasphemers, and never be disturbed by the materialistic plans of worldly

men. Never flatter princes and worldly men, seeking to earn your livelihood

thereby. Remember that the Supreme Lord always takes care of those who are

surrendered to Him.

 

Take shelter of Him and have faith in Him alone. If you follow these

instructions, then you will never be separated from me. Why should one

grieve over the disappearance of the temporary body?"