Vol 01.001 11 October, 1997
In this Issue:
1. A Standing Invitation from the President
2. Note from the Editor - in - Chief
3. Life and Works of Swami Vedanta Desika - Part-1 - Anbil Ramaswamy
4. Acharya Vamsa Vriksham (AVV) - Part 1 An Introduction - Anbil Ramaswamy
5. Saranagathi - Part 1 - Sampath Rengarajan
QUESTION BOX REPLIES
If members have any doubts on our Philosophy (Siddhanta) and / or Practices (Anushtana), they can seek clarification by addressing our "QUESTION BOX" specially provided for the purpose by sending an e. mail to anyone of the following- saranagathi@hotmail.com, vvijay236@aol.com, srengara@ford.com, vasanthi@umich.edu, 75041.3037@compuserve.com until further changes are announced for the email addresses.
We will provide answers ASAP with reference to source materials available here and if need be, by referring to our Acharyas back home and come up with authoritative replies. We will keep you informed in such contingencies as this will naturally take quite sometime for the back and forth correspondence .You will have to bear with us for the delay
V.Sadagopan
Editor -In -Chief
Dear Bhagavatas,
The SDDS was founded on the Tirunakshatram day of Swami Vedanta Desika in October 1996, with the blessings of the following Yathivaras and Acharyas:
7 Srimad Andavan of Poundarikapuram Asramam, Srirangam
7 45th Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt, Srirangam
7 Srimad Andavan Srimushnam Swami of Periyasramam, Srirangam
7 Brahmatantra Swatantra Swami of Parakala Mutt, Mysore
7 Sri Rangapriya Swami of Ashtanga yoga Kendra, Bangalore
7 Purisai Sri Krishnamachariar, Editor, Nrisimhapriya, Madras
7 Sri Seva Swami of Vedanta Desika Research Center, Madras
. Tirupputkuzhi Narasimha Tatachar Swami, Editor, Kanchi Perarulalan, Madras
. Sri Srivatsankachar Swami, Ex-Principal, Sanskrit College, Madras
7 Sri Anantha Narasimhachariar Swami, Ex-Principal, S.I.T., Trichy and many others.Within 3 months of its inception, the SDDS celebrated its Inaugural Conference at Buffalo, in December, 1996 and its Second Worldwide Conference at Pomona, in August,1997. Both were well attended and concluded with astounding success.
AIMS AND OBJECTS:
The aims and Objects of SDDS and its official Journal "Saranagathi" inter alia are:-
MEMBERSHIP:
- To study and propagate the works on and by Bhagavad Ramanuja and Swami Vedanta Desika and the works referred by them.
- To study and propagate the Arulicheyals of Alwars and the esoteric works of Poorva and Prakritam Acharyas of Srivaishnava Siddhanta
- To help in the various projects dear to our Acharyas and
- To promote an espirit- de- corps and coordinate the efforts of like minded organizations dedicated to the above
Anyone can become a member of SDDS and get the benefit of receiving our journal (by Electronic mail) by sending an e. mail request to saranagathi@hotmail.com. All that is required is:
They can also contribute articles for publication, subject to minimal editing. Become a member, if you are not already one. Encourage your friends and relatives to become members. This may prove a turning point in your life. You will be doing a service to us, to them and yourself too ! Wish you a very happy Satsang in the days ahead. !
- Faith in doing Nitya and Naimittika Karmas prescribed
- Bhagavad, Bhagavata and Acharya bhakti
- Yearning to learn about our Satsampradayam and - of course
- Facility of e. mail access to receive and respond
Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy
President.
2. NOTE FROM THE EDITOR- IN- CHIEFISAVARA SAMVATHSARAM PURATTASI SRAVANAM
SATURDAY , OCTOBER 11, 1997DEAR FELLOW SRI VIASHANVAAS :
It gives me great pleasure to announce the news about the launching of a new electronic journal named " SARANAAGATHI " on this Vijaya Dasami day . This day is also doubly sacred , since it is the birth day of both the Lord of the Seven Hills and Thuppul KulamaNI , Swami DEsikan .
At the outset , I wish to thank Dr . Narender Reddy of the Sri Venkateswara Temple , Pittsburgh , USA for suggesting that a new new journal in the electronic format focusing on the ancient and sacred doctrine of Saranaagathi would be very dear to the hearts of Sri VaishNavAs around the world . Dr. Reddy also asked me to serve as the Editor of this proposed new journal . Inspite of my limited qualifications to discharge the onerous responsibilities of this function , I have agreed to serve as the focal point for the assembly , editing and release of articles on SaraNaagathi as celebrated by our AzhwArs and AchAryAs .
In this context , it is my pleasure to welcome a great Sri VaishNavite scholar , Sri Anbil Ramaswami as the Co-Editor of this electronic journal . Many of you know him as the President of the Swami Desika Darsana Sathsangam ( SDDS ) . His scholarship , superb editorial skills and his connections to the Sri VaishNavite scholars in India would prove invaluable in the work related to the publication of the SaraNAgathi journal . I look forward to benefitting from his valued counsel and deep scholarship
The twelve AzhwArs and great AchAryAs like Nathamuni, ALavandhAr, RamAnujA , KurEsA , Parasara Bhattar, Thiruvarnagatthu AmudanAr , NadAthUr ammAL , PiLLai LokAchArya, VedAntha DEsikan , MaNavALa Maamuni and the peetAthipathis of AhObila Mutt , the two Andavan Aasramams and other SvayamAchArya purushAs have left us with moving , erudite and vast literature on SaraNAgathi doctrine , which is central to Sri VaishNavism . We will take care to select articles -both invited and contributed -for the coming issues of the new electronic journal . Reader particpation through comments and suggestions on content is very important . Please let us know also about questions that you may need clarification from our AchAryAs . We will do our best to get the answers from them to reflect the sampradhAyic view points .
Our main goal in initiating this effort is to gain a clearer understanding of the various aspects of the sacred and central doctrine of SaraNAgathi to prepare us for performing SaraNAgathi at the holy feet of an AchAryA of our choice and to practise the way of life recommended for the post-Prapatthi period of our life on this earth .
With this introductory note , We place the effort and fruit of this kaimkaryam at the lotus feet of Sriman NaarAyaNan and His divine consort , MahA Lakshmi .
Subhamasthu.
Sri RaamAnuja Daasan ,
Oppiliappan Koil VaradAchAri Sadagopan
Editor- in- Chief , SaraNAgathi Journal
3. LIFE AND WORKS OF SWAMI VEDANTA DESIKA
(Anbil Ramaswamy)Dear Bhagavatas,
We commence this series on Swami Vedanta Desika. After a brief eulogy of our Acharya, we will enumerate his prolific works. Then, we give a brief synopsis thereof . A detailed study of each one of the works will follow.
I. A brief Eulogy
If Natha muni retrieved the holy collects, if Yamuna muni propounded it, if Ramanuja muni expounded it, it was given to Vedanta Desika to systematize it almost to the form of a science.
Even the great Advaitic critic Appayya Dikshitar was wonderstruck by the ineffable charm of his poetry and irrefragable power of reason and conferred on him the title of 'Kavi Tarkika Simham' (Lion- king among poets and logicians) Appayya Dikshitar praised him as follows:
Itham Vichintyas Sarvatra Bhaavaah Santhi Padhe Padhe |
"Even in the simple and soft compositions of this Lion of both poets and logicians, there are poetic excellence evident at every step and indeed in every word"
Kavi Taarkika Simhasya Kavyeshu Lalitheswapi ||He was also called 'SARVA TANTRA SWATANTRA' (master of all arts, crafts and artifacts) because his works show his intimate knowledge of almost all arts and sciences known to human intelligence. His works brim with philosophical grandeur, ethical excellence and aesthetic glory.
As a critic, he was as searchingly critical as he was sympathetically tolerant. He ennobled his poetry through philosophy and embellished his philosophy through his poetry. He preached only what he practiced and practiced what he preached. He was a saint par excellence though he remained a Grihasta throughout. It is difficult to find such a harmonious blend - of Precept and Practice, of Exalted thinking and Simple living. He synthesized in himself an inimitable moral fervor and an inspired spiritual insight.
TO DO HIM JUSTICE, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO QUOTE ALL HIS WORKS; THE ONLY SPECIMEN OF HIS MASTERPIECE IS SIMPLY ALL THAT HE WROTE.
A poet, philosopher, logician, and a scrupulous Anushtatha he took upon himself the task of upholding the concepts preached by Bhagavad Ramanuja. It is because of him that 'Ramanuja Darsanam' came to be recognized by the world.. Swami Vedanta Desika was the brightest star in the firmament of Visishtadvaita next only to Bhagavad Ramanuja.
No writer among the followers of Ramanuja fought for the rightful place for Divya Prabandhams as did Swami Desika. His prolific compositions in pure Tamil , pure Sanskrit, Praakrit and Manipravala bear ample testimony to the fact that he is not exclusively a Vadakalai or exclusively a Tenkalai but more appropriately a "Ubhaya Kalai".
Swami Desika was born in 1268 AD (about 131 years after Sri Ramanuja attained Paramapada) at Tooppul near Kanchipuram as the son of one Anantasuri and Totaramba. They named him Venkatanatha. He is believed to be the incarnation of the bell of Lord Venkateswara of Tirumalai. Incidents in his life will be posted separately.
Even while young, he used to attend the Kalakshepam discourses of Nadaadur Ammal along with his maternal uncle, Appullaar who was also his Acharya. Before the age of 20, he excelled in all that a person ought to learn. His exposure to Vedas, Divya Prabandhas and Sastras at a very early age provided him with an encyclopaedic knowledge and this treasurehouse of knowledge was matched only by his exemplary modesty and humility- which rarely go together among scholars.
Throughout his works- whether small or short, whether extensive and elaborate, whether poem or drama or Vyakhyanam - the one thread that runs through is his insatiable dedication in maintaining Ramanuja Darsanam.
With his inscrutable insight into the various realms of knowledge and incisive logical talents in demolishing the failings of other schools of thought he could have built a new system of his own. Any other Acharya of his standing would have easily bungled into this trap. But, his conviction that Ramanujas system was not only ancient but also approved by Poorva Acharyas helped him avoid this and he strengthened the edifice built by Bhagavad Ramanuja.
4. ACHARYA VAMSA VRIKSHAM - Part 1
An Introduction
- Anbil Ramaswamy
This series was triggered by a query raised by Sri Sampath Rangarajan quite a while ago as to at what stage the various lineages of Ahobila Mutt, Parakala Mutt, Poundarikapuram Asramam, Periyasramam, Tennacharya mutts etc. got "separated". While the query could be framed simply, the answer necessarily involves a laborious tracing of the lineages from the Prathama Acharya Sriman Narayana through the points where the various Paramparas " Branched off", right up to our present pontiffs.I would prefer to use the expression "branched off" to the word "separated"- because, as the title of this series suggests, Visishtadvaita is a great tree (Vriksha) with numerous branches-all drawing sustenance from the mother tree as do the offshoots of a banyan tree.
Our Varnasrama Dharma requires everyone of us to go through all the 4 stages of Brahmacharya, Grihasta, Vanaprasta and Sannyasa. Every single individual, by attaining the appropriate level of spiritual evolution through learning at the feet of an Acharya is to become an Acharya himself, thus generating innumerable links in the chain of Guru-Sishya Parampara. And, in doing this, "Sannyasa sweekaranam" (taking to the ascetic order) is not a must. In fact, many of our Acharyas like Swami Desika were Grihastas to the end though they lived like Sannyasis. Judging by this standard, the branching off and proliferation of Acharyas has not been as profuse as could be expected.
However many branches there may be, the fact remains that they have certain basic faiths in common. For example, that Sriman Narayana is THE Paramatma, that Bhakti and Prapatti are the means to attain Moksha, that the "Sareera- Sareeri Bhava"(Body-soul relationship) between Jeevatma and the Paramatma is fundamental as propounded in the Bhagavad Ramanuja Darsanam.
While explaining the tenets, one branch may lay greater emphasis on some aspects more than other branches but without repugnance to the basic tenets mentioned above. There are no fundamental differences nor any sectarian doctrines as between the various branches. If any appear, they are only APPARENT depending upon the difference in emphasis and NOT REAL on the basics on which all are agreed. It is, however, understandable that a certain amount of strident expressions are noticed when the Sishyas in their over-anxiety to exhibit their loyalty (Acharya bhakti) to their respective Acharyas attempt to depict others in a less favorable light. It should be remembered that no true Acharya would encourage such a tendency but would discipline their over-enthusiastic chelas into showing equal respect to the other Acharyas as well.
Be that, as it may, We will attempt in this series to identify the course of the Parampara based on authoritative texts and works of dedicated scholars who have painstakingly delved into the subject- NOT in the fashion of research thesis aimed at gaining their University Doctorates- but in a true spirit of inquiry. If the presentation herein represents the facts correctly, the credit goes to these sources. I would be grateful, if the scholars in the group point out any errors in chronology or facts (based on appropriate authority) so that the future editions may be error-free.
5. SarNAgathi - As explained in Swami desika prabhandam - Part 1
Sampath RengarajanSummary:
In this series of posts various references to charaNagathi and its underlying principles from various sources will be presented. Starting from Swami desika prabandham, we will attempt to present the citations from other literature including thiruk kurAL and Saint Ramalinga AdikaLar's thiru arut paa and 4000 known as nAlAyira divya. prabandham. There are abundant references to charaNagathi in 4000 and hence we will attempt to present only some key references to prapatti mArga explained as the upAyam in 4000 itself. Pasuram: ninAruLAn gathiyanRi maRRonRillEn nedumkAlam pizhai seytha nilai kazhinthEn unanaruLuk kinithAna nilaiyu kanthEn nuinsaraNE saraNenun thuNivu pooNdEn manniruLAy ninRanilai yenakkuth theerththu vAnavartham vAychci thara variththE nunnai yinnaruLa liniyenakkOr paramE RRamal enRirumA ladaikkalangOl Lennai neeyE n Amirtha Ranjanai, SDP, Swami Desikan (SDP-Swami Desika Prabandham) This pAsuram is from the amirtha swAthini in Swami Desika prabandham. The implied meaning of this pAsuram is to express the surrender to periya perumAL with all the 5 angAs of prapatti. The direct meaning of this pAsuram is as below.
Meaning for Line 1.
O! my Lord, My athipathi and the sarvEswara! adiyEn's plight is such that I have no other refuge than (seeking) your grace.Meaning for Line2:
For a very very long time i have been committing all aparAthams at the holy feet of yours. And such situation has been cleared now.Meaning for Line 3:
Henceforth i desired to stand suitable for seeking your grace by undertaking prapatti.Meaning for Line 4:
I took a firm resolve that only your holy feet is my refuge and upAyam.Meaning for Line 5,6:
I pray to you to destroy my annYAnam that is crystallized in me like an inert material and protect me by blessing me with the nitya suri patham (to serve you eternally).Meaning for Lines 7,8:
Please show me your mercy and compassion and bless me by not assigning any tasks or responsibilities and accept me as a vasthu to be protected always by you.The references to various angas of prapatti being referred in the pAsuram are as follows.
1. The kArpaNayam angam is explained in the first line 1.
2. The prathi koolya varjaNam angam is explained in line 2.
3. The anukoolya sankalpam angam is explained in line 3.
4. The mahA viswAsam angam is explained in line 4.
5. The gOpthruthvavaraNam angam is explained in line 5,6
6. The final stage of athma samarpanam is explained in line 7,8.Swami dEsikan thiruvadikaLE charaNam
Kagakudi Sampath Rengarajan
Sri Boomi dEviththAyAr samEtha Sri oppiliappan thiruvadikaLE
SaraNam