Questions on Sri Vaishnavism

[Guest guest]

Jai SrimanNarayana.

 

I have some questions on Sri Vaishnavism, and any answers/thoughts

would be most appreciated. Thank you.

 

1- In many Sri Vaishnava articles, and even in Sri Ramanuja's works,

it is consistently stated the " proof of Brahman " is because the Veda

says so... so, is it fair to say, the premise of Sri Vaishnavism is

left to a matter of faith - of belief or unbelief in the Veda? How

is this different in any way different from the Abrahamic religions

then?

 

2- Could someone explain the esoteric/symbolic significance of the

shanka alligned with Hanuman, and the chakra alligned with Garuda in

the Sri Vaishnava emblem?

 

3- Do Vishista Advaitas see difference between Self and Soul?

 

4- To what extent did Sri Ramanuja influence Sikhism? Are there any

comparative studies done in this direction?

 

5- Why is jiva said to have substance attribute? Isn't that a very

materialistic view? And what is dharmabhuta jnana - what is this

substance?

 

6- Does Vishishta Advaita acknowledge the necessity of Maya? And to

Sri Vaishnavas, is Maya another substance/matter or power or...?

 

7- There is a stress in Sri Vaishnavism/Vishishta Advaita that the

Brahman is impeccable and must be free of all flaws and of karma,

and is completely pure of defects, and is an ocean of auspicious

qualities etc. How does the concept of Brahman originate to come to

be free of karma? Why is the concept of Brahman conceived in this

way, unsubjected to Karman?

 

8- Vishishta Advaita speaks only of matter and soul, but not spirit?

Is Brahman not spirit also? Isn't the spirit of the Jivatma also

Brahman?

 

9- What is the symbolic meaning behind the dual possession of

Sridevi and Bhudevi?

 

10- I don't understand what kind of honour is there in Karpanya,

when it is resignation in the face of one's helplessness and

circumstances? Isn't that unheroic? :

" Feeling utterly helpless --> abandoning all pride and

ego Because of one's incapacity to pursue other means

to moksha, and the inherent pitfalls therein,

relinquishing pride and being humble is known as

'kArpaNya'. "

ramanuja/message/9127

 

Thanks and good wishes.