Basic Tenets of Sri Vaishnavism - How to Get Ramanuja Sambhandam - Part 1

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas

In continuation of the lecture series on Basic Tenets of

SriVaishnavism by U.Ve Velukkudi Krishnan swami, the sequel to " Ramanuja

sambhandat mOkshalabah " is being presented. This lecture series on " How to

Get Ramanuja Sambhandam " will also be posted in multiple parts. *Adiyen is

only transcribing swami's lecture and is also solely responsible for any

mistakes or omissions*

With U.Ve. Velukkudi Krishnan swami's approval and blessings, this will be

later posted to the website.

 

How to Get Ramanuja Sambhandam - Part 1

 

In the previous series of lecture, we discussed how Ramanuja sambhandam

fetches mOksham; the immensely important chain of illustrious preceptors

that lead us to the lotus feet of Sriman Narayana and the fact that swami

Ramanuja was hand picked by Sriman Narayana to be the “crown jewel” among

the illustrious lineage of preceptors.

It is only natural to ask – how do we get Ramanuja Sambhandam? And once that

is obtained, how do we conduct ourselves during the rest of our life in this

world? The following discussion attempts to answer these questions.

 

Every SriVaishnavite undergoes samAshrayanam. During this process, the

individual (adorning the body with dvAdasapundram) prostrates at the lotus

feet of his/her current preceptor(Acharyan), who in turn provides he link to

Ramanuja, associating the individual to the illustrious chain of preceptors,

thus passing on the supplication of mercy and transferring the onus of

jeevAtma to Sriman Narayana. The Acharyan etches the divine disc and conch

on the shoulders of the indivdual as an identification of his surrender unto

the lotus feet of Sriman Narayana.

The question that immediately comes to our mind is – Is it enough to get

samAshsrayanam done? Can I lead a carefree life thereafter? The simple

answer is No. One has to follow a set of prescribed rules. These rules

have been set forth or commanded by swami Ramanuja himself, in his “antima

dasai” ( his last days), when his disciples went to him seeking advice. It

is important to note that though these very carefully thought out rules were

laid down a thousand years ago, each and every one of them accurately

reflects on the hapless plight of us mortals and its applicability in

today’s world is striking. Swami Ramanuja laid down 6 rules and they are as

follows:

 

1. Perform service to Sriman Narayana not as a means of liberation but to

please Him. Do not worry about the upkeep of your body or Atma beyond the

extent required to service the Lord (upAyantra sambhandam arughai).

The body is controlled by Karma which in turn is controlled by Sriman

Narayana. This is the essence of the 3rd chapter of Bhagavad Gita. Also,

once samAshryanam is done, the onus of jeevatma is transferred to Sriman

Narayana and it then becomes His property. In Thiruvaimozhi, Nammalvar

personifies the jeevAtma as a bride being led to her suitor, Sriman

Narayana, signifying the transfer of ownership. Take care of your body so

that you can render service to the Lord by carrying his palanquin.

Similarly, train your mind to meditate on the Lord, use your hands to Pray

to Him and your mouth to sing in His praise, thus engaging all the sense

organs in His service. It is important to note that service to Sriman

Narayana does not only mean direct service rendered by the archAkas, etc but

also to the bhagavat bhandus (one who talk highly of Him). It is also

important to understand that the service should be performed with the

intention to please the Lord and not with mOksha hetu ( aim to attain

mOksha).

 

To be Continued…..

 

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You can hear the upanyasam on-line at:

http://www.radioramanuja.com/live.htm

 

azhwAr emberumAnAr JeeyAr thiruvadigalE saranam

 

Vedics Documentation Team http://www.radioramanuja.com/docs.htm

Basic Tenets of SriVaishnavism

adiyEn rAmanuja dAsan - Kesavan.

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