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Ramanuja List Archive: Message 00000 Sep 2002

 
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SRIMATHE RAMANUJAYA NAMAHA
APPAN THIRUVADIGALE SARANAM


Dear Pattangi swamin, You have asked for mails on Prapatti, saranagathi 
andsaramaslokam 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 Abhiyuktarit 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 statethat 
accepting or adopting bhakti yoga as a means is against the nature ofthe 
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 partof 
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 saysthat 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.      










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