Rahasya Traya Saram
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1 Rahasya Traya Saram - A Translation
ADHIKARA 1. UPOTKARA ADHIKARA
2 (Introductory)
3
4 For the one who desires Moksha (Mumukshu), the very desire can arise
only through a proper Guru and the attainment of this proper Guru itself is
possible only if one or more of the following conditions are satisfied:
5 (i) God's love
6 (ii) Good deeds done even by chance
7 (iii) The gracious glance of God even at the time of birth (Jayamana
Kadaksha) or in Tamil (Karuvile Thiru)
8 (iv) Absence of hatred towards fellow beings (another way of saying love
towards fellow beings)
9 (v) Willingness to learn the truths
10 (vi) Association with the virtuous.
11 Our Vedas have time and again reiterated that essentially the individual
souls are divine and have an inherent right to attain Moksha. But, due to
the dirt of Karma Vasanas they had accumulated over several lives, they
are oblivious of this divinity and stray into the cycle of births and deaths in
a vicious circle of Karma and Punarjanma. Thus, they become confirmed
'Nitya Samsaris' without any hope of redemption. It is only a rare
occurance that due to the factors stated above that an individual soul
stumbles on a Guru who initiates him into the eternal truths and restores
him to his rightful place in Moksha through Bhakti or Prapatti.
12 To illustrate the importance and the role of the Guru, and the deep debt of
gratitude the emancipated soul owes to the Guru, Swami Desika gives an
illustration thus:
13 The young crown prince of a king goes with his father on a hunting
expedition to a forest where he gets lost. He is brought up by some
huntsmen. He imbibes the qualities, customs, manners and habits of the
tribes forgetting that he is actually the prince. After some time, he is
spotted by a few courtiers of the king who reveal to him his identity and
bring him back to the king. The king is mightily happy in getting back his
dear son whom he had believed as lost forever. Thanks to the royal
servants, the prince regained his regalia. In the same manner, the
Jeevatma that had lost its identity is restored to its pristine glory through
the chance encounter with the Gurus who are the true servitors of God.
14
15 ADHIKARA 2 : SARA NISHKARSHA ADHIKARA
16 (Determination of what is best)
17
18 It is these Gurus who instruct a Mumukshu what should be learnt and what
should be ignored as not useful for attaining the goal of Moksha. Having
fixed our objective as the attainment of Moksha, We should carefully avoid
those that are either opposed to or are not conducive to the said goal.
Indeed, there are innumerable things in this world to know, life is short and
hinderences are many. Therefore, A WISE PERSON DESIRING MOKSHA
SHOULD PREFER ONLY WHAT IS ALWAYS AND UNCONDITIONALLY
MOST VALUABLE, without frittering away time and energy on lesser or
even harmful objectives. The things to be scrupulously avoided are:
19 (i) the philosophies of those opposed to the Vedas ( like Charvakas,
Buddhists, Jains etc.,) and the philosophies of heretics (like those who
accept the Vedas but misinterpret its contents).These are worthless
(Asaara).
20 (ii) the philosophies contained in Karma khanda of the Vedas because they
are only of very little value (Alpasaara).
21 (iii) That part which deals with the attainment of Svarga (Heavens) after
death though may appear valuable to some- does not lead to Moksha
( Saara)
22 (iv) that part which deals with the realization of one's own self (Kaivalya)
and the means to attain thereof, though a little more valuable than (iii)
above is really not conducive to the attainment of Moksha (Saaratara)
23 (v) What is most valuable is that which deals with the supreme Brahman,
the attainment of this Brahman and the means thereof (Saaratama).
24
25 ADHIKARA 3 : PRADHANA PRATI TANTRA ADHIKARA
26 (The most important and distinctive doctrine)
27
28 A basic understanding of the Sarira bhava ( body aspect) of the Jeevatma
in relation to the Sariri bhava (soul aspect) of the Paramatma is the
springboard for our take off on the way to attain Moksha. We have dealt
with this in greater detail in our Chapter "Who is God?" ( being posted in a
separate serial )
29 We have discussed therein how Chetanas or sentient beingsconstitute the
body of Iswara and are supported, controlled and directed by Isvara who is
their soul. It naturally follows that they exist for the pleasure of Isvara. The
Seshatva(Subordination) of the souls is only another way of saying that
they have Dasatva (Service) or right and duty to serve Isvara,who is their
master.
30
31 ADHIKARA 4: ARTHA PANCHAKA ADHIKARA
32 (The five things that should be known to the seeker of Salvation)
33
34 The Acharyas instruct us on the following five important things that should
be known to every seeker of salvation -called Artha Panchaka:-
35 (i) Paramatma Svarupa: the characteristics of the Supreme soul
36 (ii) Jeevatma Svarupa: the characteristics of the individual soul
37 (iii) Upaya Svarupa: the means for the Jeevatma to reach the Paramatma
(ie) Moksha through Bhakti or Prapatti (Note that rajayoga, karmayoga and
gnanayoga are not the direct means to attain moksha.)
38 (iv) Phala Svarupa: the ultimate purpose of existence of the Jeevatmas is
to serve (Dasatva) at the feet of Paramatma on attaining Moksha and
39 (v) Virodhi Svarupa: the nature of impediments on the path of the ultimate
goal
40 The items (i) to (iv) have already been dealt with in our Chapter Who is
God? mentioned above.We mention here the various forms of the
impediments . The impediments arise from sins committed by the
individual souls by transgressing the codes of conduct prescribed in the
Sastras thus incurring the displeasure of the Lord. This in turn impedes the
progress of the Jeeva towards Moksha. The sins are born out of Avidya
(Ignorance),and Karmavasana (the latent impressions of the past and the
present deeds)-the effects of which can be got rid of only by atoning and
surrendering to the Lord (Vide the details in the chapter mentioned above
and also in the chapter on Karma and Punarjanma, which will also be
posted separately)
41 As for the impediments, they manifest in different ways:-
42 (i) Associating the Jeeva with Prakriti, thus blunting intellect
43 (ii) Making the Jeeva identify itself with the body and sense organs
44 (iii) The Jeeva being born as an animal or bird etc., which have no access
to Sastras
45 (iv) Even if born as a human, the intellect of the Jeeva being maliciously
influenced by atheism.
46 (v) Even if a Jeeva is a theist, becoming too much addicted to worldly
pleasures
47 (vi) Committing sins deliberately to secure temporary and trivial mundane
benefits
48 (vii) Continuing to commit sins more and more- one sin leading to another
in an endless chain
49 (viii) Performing rites and rituals for securing trivial mundane benefits and
from petty deities (devatantara) who are no better than the Jeeva himself.
50 To use Swami Desika's anology, they are LIKE COWS TETHERED
TOGETHER IN THE SAME BARN, and imagining such trivial benefits as
the 'be all and end all 'of life and becoming immersed In the worship of
such petty divinities
51 (ix) Imperfect meditation and wrongful worship leading to further
involvement in Samsara, and
52 (x) Other such hinderences to the progress towards liberation - IT MAKES
NO DIFFERENCE IF A PERSON JUMPING OVER A WELL FALLS
WITHIN EITHER RIM OF THE WELL says Swami Desika.
53
54 ADHIKARA 5.: TATTVA TRAYA CHINTANA ADHIKARA
55 (The three reals)
56
57 The three 'reals' of Chetana (Sentient), Achetana ( Non-sentient) and
Isvara (All-sentient),their Svarupa ( form) and Svabhava (nature) have
already been dealt with extensively in Chapter Who is God? mentioned
above.
58
59 ADHIKARA 6.: PARA DEVATA PARAMARTHYA ADHIKARA
60 (Truth as to who is the Paramatma - the Supreme deity)
61
62 We have seen that the ultimate aim and object of all Chetanas is the
attainment of Moksha (i,e) integrating with Paramatma.It
is,therefore,necessary to know who this Paramatma is. JUST AS A
PERSON DESIRING TO REACH A SPECIFIC DESTINATION SHOULD
KNOW WHERE EXACTLY IT IS LOCATED AND THE PRECISE AND
SHORTEST ROUTE LEADING THERETO, THE PERSON DESIRING
MOKSHA SHOULD KNOW WHO CAN GRANT THIS MOKSHA AND THE
EASIEST MEANS TO SECURE THE SAME. WE NEED NOT KNOW
ANYTHING ELSE THAT DOES NOT RELATE TO THIS SPECIFIC
OBJECTIVE. The Paramatma referred to is none other than SRIMAN
NARAYANA ( as explained in our Chapter '" O! My God !")
63
64 ADHIKARA 7: MUMUKSHUTVA ADHIKARA
65 (When one becomes desirous of Moksha)
66
67 Through the Sastras, the individual soul discerns the differentiation as
between its self and the body on the one hand and as between its
individual soul (Jeevatma ) and the Universal soul (Paramatma) on the
other. He also comes to know that his deeds (Karma) are responsible for
his repeated reincarnations (Punarjanmas). He therefore refrains from bad
deeds (Papa) and resorts to spiritually meritorious deeds (Punya) as
prescribed in the Sastras. He also becomes aware of the Supreme Lord
Sri Narayana and that surrender (Prapatti) to him as the only means to
reach Narayana and enjoy everlasting bliss. He thus becomes a
mumukshu.
68 To put it differently, the desire for securing Moksha would arise in an
individual only when the following categories of feelings of 'I' and 'Mine' are
got over.(Aham kara and Mama kara):
69 (i) the feeling generated by the soul's attachment to the body
70 (ii) the feeling of possessiveness over the body and bodily experiences
71 (iii) the feeling of being subordinate to another deity or being equally
subordinate to Bhagavan and the other deities.
72 (iv) the mistaken impression that individual soul is its own protector and
lord.
73 (v) the mistaken belief of the self acting on its own, for its own benefit and
enjoying the fruits thereof.
74
75 ADHIKARA 8 : ADHIKARI VIBHAGA ADHIKARA
76 (Classification of persons qualified for Moksha)
77
78 There are two kinds of persons qualified for Moksha viz., Bhaktas and
Prapannas.We have discussed about Bhakti in the Chapter on Bhakti
yoga. What remains is Prapatti.This Prapatti can be performed even by
one who is not aware of the rules to be followed and the steps to be taken
in performing Prapatti.(Surrender). This surrender can be done by simply
surrendering to the Lord with absolute faith in him
79 ( i ) By repeating the Mantra AS ADVISED BY THE GURU. THIS IS
CALLED "UKTI NISHTA"-(performance done as told.)
80 ( ii ) one may request his Acharya who acceding to his request performs
Prapatti and prays to the Lord on behalf of the Sishya without the Sishya
repeating the Mantra himself. THIS IS CALLED 'ACHARYA NISHTA.'
81 ( iii ) In very rare cases, highly evolved souls can resort to Selfsurrender.
THIS IS CALLED 'SWA NISHTA' and those who do this are called
'Swayam acharyas'
82 ( iv ) Others who can do neither 'Swa nishta' nor find an appropriate
Acharya for doing 'Ukti nishta' or 'Acharya nishta' as above ( e.g those who
have migrated to foreign countries like the USA but who are nevertheless
desirous of doing Prapatti) can find out another devotee of Bhagavan and
perform Prapatti in WHAT IS KNOWN AS 'BHAGAVATA NISHTA'
83 Unless one resorts to Bhakti or Prapatti, it is impossible to attain Moksha.
Between them, Prapatti can be adopted by all irrespective of caste, creed,
sex, place or time and done without any elaborate rituals. Prapatti can
destroy all Sanchita Karma. Bhakti and Prapatti are inculcated also by
Bhagavata Abhimana (devotion towards the devotees of the Lord) and
Divyadesa vasa (residing in places sacred to the Lord).
84
85 ADHIKARA 9: UPAYA VIBHAGA ADHIKARA
86 (Classification of the means for attaining Moksha)
87
88 It is well known -
89 (i) that Rajayoga or Hatayoga can at best serve as means to discipline the
body and mind and cannot lead to Moksha.
90 (ii) that Karma yoga has to be of the Nishkamya variety and that while we
cannot give up Nitya and Naimittika karmas under any circumstances
Karma yoga by itself cannot lead to Moksha but at best serve to lead to
Gnana yoga and then possibly to Bhakti yoga
91 (iii) that Gnana yoga cannot by itself lead to Moksha because mere
'knowledge' will be 'useless tinsel' unless it blossoms into ' action
in .devotion.'(e.g) - Merely 'knowing' that a disease can be cured by
appropriate medicine cannot cure the disease unless the specific medicine
is actually consumed; - Merely 'knowing' that hunger will subside by taking
food cannot solve the problem of hunger unless one actually eats food; -
Merely "knowing" the way to reach a particular destination cannot help in
taking one there unless one actually moves towards the destination.
92 (iv) that Bhakti yoga while being counted as one of the direct means to
Moksha is difficult to practice as explained in the opening paragraph of this
series..
93 ARJUNA was therefore confused and frustrated and asked SRI KRISHNA
as to what he should do in these intriguing circumstances. As an answer to
this question, Sri Krishna advised Arjuna to totally surrender to himself and
that as God incarnate he would himself stand in the place of these yogas.
Having left all dharma (i.e) these upayas, if he thus surrenders, the Lord
would certainly wipe off all his sins, and protect him. Having pledged his
promise, Sri Krishna advised him not to entertain any grief any more.
WHAT WAS ADVISED TO ARJUNA IS APPLICABLE TO ALL OF US AND
GOD WOULD CERTAINLY EXTEND THE SAME PROTECTION TO US IF
WE UNCONDITIONALLY SURRENDER OURSELVES TO HIM.
94 Thus, over and above the four upayas listed above Bhagavan has
provided in his Charamasloka, a fifth course , that of Prapatti - THE ONLY
EASY BUT SURE MEANS TO ATTAIN MOKSHA.
95 The essential differences between Bhakti and Prapatti may be summarised
as follows :
96 Point of difference is indicated by Roman Numerals Bhakti a.k.a. Upasana
is indicated by letter (B) Prapatti a.k.a. Saranagathi is indicated by the
letter (P)
97 I.BIRTH (B):One should be born within the first three Castes because
Upasana can be commenced only in the Sarira secured at birth though it
can be continued in any other Sarira in subsequent births. (P): Irrespective
of Castes, the only qualifications are i) One should feel incapable of
following Bhaktiyoga ii) Desire ONLY Moksha iii) Desire it ONLY from
Bhagavan knowing that ONLY He can grant it
98 II.KNOWLEDGE OF SASTRAS. (B): One should know the Sastras
properly (P) : Lack of knowledge of Sastras is not a disqualification
99 III. FOLLOWING THE DISCIPLINES (B): One should follow the disciplines
prescribed in the Sastras scrupilously and without fail (P): Following the
disciplines is RECOMMENDED as an ADJUNCT and not as the main
condition of Prapatti
100 IV.DELAY IN SECURING MOKSHA (B) : One who does not mind delay in
securing Moksha can adopt Bhakti (P) : One who is anxious in securing
Moksha without delay should adopt only Prapatti
101 V. VARNASHRAMA DHARMA (B) : The observance of Varna and
Ashrama Dharmas is sin-quanon and forms a necessary condition and
includes several strenuous Nitya and Naimittika duties. (P) : The
observance of Dharmas while cannot be dispensed with, is NOT
considered to be PART OF PRAPATTI. It is done to please the Lord with
angas detailed in Adhikara 11 below.
102 VI. ANTHIMA SMRITI (B): The remembrance of the Lord at the time of
death is necessary. This can dawn ONLY in the LAST SARIRA when all
the karmas get obliterated. (P) : This is not necessary. Once surrendered,
the Lord remembers and so grants Moksha at the end of the CURRENT
life itself or earlier as prayed for at the time of Prapatti.( Vide Varaha
Charama sloka also)
103 VII. REMOVAL OF KARMA (B) : Bhakti yoga can not remove Prarabda
Karma. (P) : Prapatti will remove both Sanchita Karma and even Prarabda
Karma till the performance of Prapatti. If one desires Moksha HERE and
NOW and prays for it AT THE TIME OF PRAPATTI, the Lord would grant it
right away. This is called AARTHA PRAPATTI.
104 Any delay is only because the Prapanna had not prayed for an immediate
release, being prepared to go through the unexpired portion of Prarabda
Karma till the end of the CURRENT life. This is called TRIPTA PRAPATTI.
In this case, the sins committed without knowledge are ignored and those
committed knowingly get expatiated by atonement (Nirveda and
Prayaschitta) or by suffering minor punishments in the CURRENT life
itself.
105 VIII : DURATION AND INTENSITY OF SAADHANA (B) : Has to be
practised incessantly for long periods; Is beset with numerous
impediments; Is a difficult process for attaining Moksha because it involves
the strict observance of one or more of the 32 Vidyas attached to Bhakti
yoga. (P) : Prapatti guarantees Moksha INSTANTLY; Requires to be done
ONLY ONCE; No impediments or hard conditions to be fulfilled; Can be
resorted to even by one who does not have any clear knowledge provided
one has the mind and inclination to adopt the means.
106 Mr.A.K.RAMANUJAM, observes- "Prapatti (unlike Bhakti) works for
everyone, whatever be his state, status. caste or previous history. Not
merit but demerit may qualify the soul for the grace. Not learning or high
caste but their opposite may endear one to God...for Prapatti , there are no
conditions of place, time, manner, fitness.The only condition is that the
Lord and ONLY the Lord be the object. Draupadi, the heroine of
Mahabharata, performed Prapatti when she was menstruating and
unclean. Arjuna received the Lord's counsel and grace on the battlefield,
surrounded by vile and unclean people"
107 When this Supreme Lord is so Supreme and the individual soul is so
worthless on account of sins, how would God stoop down to the level of
the soul and lift him up?
108 Sri Ramanuja answers that God can and will do this in exercise of his
immense accessability, grace and compassion (Saulabhya ) in preference
to his Paratva ( omnipotent power) And, JOHN.B.CARMAN quotes Sri
Ramanuja asking and answering- "How can a lame man climb on an
elephant, if you tell him to do so? Likewise, how can an insignificant soul in
this imperfect world approach the Lord of all? The answer is surely that an
elephant can accommodate itself lying down so that the lame man can
mount"- All that is needed is the absolute confidence (Mahaviswasa) on
the part of the lame man that the elephant would allow him to mount on by
lowering itself down to his level.
109 Another question arises as to how Prapatti could destroy all the Sanchita
karmas as also the Prarabda Karmas? These Karmas can be likened to a
huge load of cotton bales stacked in a warehouse. And, if the entire stock
has to be used up by taking out for purposes of spinning little by little, it
would take an inordinately long time. But, by applying a single burning
match STICK, the entire STOCK could be gutted. Likewise, the sparkling
matchstick that the Acharya lights up at the time of Prapatti can and indeed
does destroy all the accumulated sins.
110 Sri ANDAL puts it picturesquely: "The entire stock of accumulated sins and
those that had started to yield results would be incinerated like dirt
scorched by fire" "Poya Pizhaiyum Pugu Tharuvaan Ninranavum
Theeyinaal Thoosagum"
111 "It is said that the enormous debit entries appearing on the balance sheet
of the individual's Karma account can be more than offset by one mighty
stroke of credit entry of simple faith in the saving grace of God. And,
Prapatti which represents this credit transaction demands no effort; not
even an act of will. Rather, the abandonment of the will, the abandonment
of all effort. It merely requires Absolute surrender to his will"
112
113 ADHIKARA 10 : PRAPATTI YOGYATA ADHIKARA
114 (Fitness for Prapatti)
115
116 The following qualifications are required for both Bhakti and Prapatti viz.,
The desire to attain Moksha
117 Seeking the truth from the Sastras
118 Desire and capacity to perform the duties as prescribed in the Sastras The
following further qualifications are special to those desiring to adopt
Prapatti viz.,
119 Inability to adopt any other means (aakinchanyam)
120 Absence of interest in resorting to any other means being aware of the
delay involved in attaining Moksha through them (Ananya Gathi tvam)
121 Unconditional and Absolute surrender to Sri Narayana with an unwavering
and unflinching faith in him as the only Savior (Ananya saranatvam
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Re: Rahasya Traya Saram - A Translation
ADHIKARA 22 PARIPOORNA BRAHMA ANUBHAVA ADHIKARA
358 ( On the full and perfect enjoyment of the bliss of brahman )
359 SECTION 6 : WHAT HAPPENS AT VAIKUNTA?
360 We saw that the prapanna on reaching Srivaikunta as aforesaid, will enjoy
infinite being, infinite knowledge and infinite bliss ( Sat, Chit and Ananda ).
During his stay on earth all these were in a contracted state due to to the
interaction with the mundane world and his identification with his
perishable body. Now, that he is associated with the eternal Paramatma
with whom he has identified himself, his being, knowledge and bliss have
become expanded without any limit.
361 Mahabharata describes what happens to the Mukta at this stage. "The
Mukta attains the Supreme being and acquires the attributes of the
Supreme being like having four arms, the crown, the regal insignia which
the Supreme being himself wields. He too becomes free from
imperfections. He too becomes Omniscient. He too becomes free from
Karma., from suffering, from sorrow. He too becomes blissful, blemishless
and independent in the sense that he is not subject to Karma but his own
limitless free will."
362 As stated in Vishnu Suktam ," he will be constantly witnessing the radiance
of the divine personality of Sri Narayana in Paramapada in the company of
Nityas and Muktas Along with them he will also be singing his praise and
enjoy the beatitude eternally. Having reached there, even the darkest night
appears like eternal day, he obtains whatever he wants, he wins over
everything, everything he ever desired he gets, he is ever victorious"
363 He will be in a position to offer his services to the Lord 'at all times, at all
places and in all manners' unrestricted by time (kala), space (desa) or
matter (prakriti).
364 A doubt might arise that if the Jeeva were to render all services at all times
etc., would there not be a competition and conflict among the servitors
(e.g) Adhisesha is Lord's couch; Garuda is his vehicle. Can a Mukta aspire
to replace them and take over their duties? The answer is that a Mukta will
not aspire for any service other than what is allotted to him and would
never aspire to replace others in their respective duties. This is because,
his will coincides with the will of the Lord. As the Lord has willed the
respective duties to Adhisesha, Garuda and others the will of other Nityas,
and Muktas would be in consonance with the Lord's will. Therefore, there
can be no competition or conflict. Further, the pleasure derived from
whatever service allotted will be the same for all of them.
365 There is a saying in Mahabharata that some Muktas live in the same loka
as Paramatma ( Salokya); some live in the proximity of the Paramatma
( Sameepya); some others assume the form of Paramatma ( Saroopya)
and yet others share bliss equally with Paramatma ( Sayujya).
366 SWAMI DESIKA SAYS THAT A JEEVATMA WHICH ATTAINS SAYUJYA
HAS ALSO IPSO FACTO ATTAINED SALOKYA, SAMEEPYA AND
SAROOPYA. JUST LIKE'HUNDRED' IS A PART OF 'THOUSAND',
THESE ARE CONTAINED IN SAYUJYA .
367 To the Jeeva who has attained Moksha everything will be pleasant,
agreeable and blissful. Even those that appeared painful or even less
pleasurable while on earth because of the constraining effects of the
material world, would now appear enjoyable due to the absence of the
material binding and the presence of Bhagavan.
368 SWAMI DESIKA SAYS THAT THIS IS LIKE A PERSON WHO DISLIKED
DELICIOUS MILK WHILE HE WAS AILING FROM BILIOUSNESS
RELISHES IT WHEN CURED OF IT.
369 Therefore, the Jeeva would not have to go back to earth nor would he
have any desire to do so.
370 1.. Since his wisdom has become fully blossomed, he has no illusions or
ignorance that could impel him to return to earth.
371 2. Since the Lord is so much pleased with the Jeeva that he would never
let him go back to earth.
372 3. In the Mukti stage, the Jeeva is not governed by the dictates of Sastras.
Therefore, he will not be guilty of transgressing the Lord's will resulting in
Karma and return to the material world.
373 4. Since what is pleasing to the Lord is also his own pleasure, he is not
going against the wishes of God. So, there is no question of his incurring
the displeasure of God that can hurl him down to the earth.. There are
several passages to substantiate this.
374 Ahirbudnya Samhita confirms that the Jeeva reaches a ' point of no return'
in Paramapada. Lord Krishna also confirms this Periyalwar in his
Thirumozhi says that even if the jeeva vows and pledges security in the
name of Mahalakshmi that he would certainly return after visiting the earth,
the Lord would never allow him to go back to earth.
375 Sutrakara also concludes that one who has attained Moksha "NEVER
RETURNS, NEVER RETURNS"-by repeating the statement twice.
376 But, if for carrying out any of the Lord's purposes on earth like protecting
the virtuous, destroying evil and establishing Dharma as stated by Lord
Krishna in BG, he may be permitted to come to earth, In this case, he
returns not as a result of Karma but out of sheer free will.
377 Baudayana says that the assumption or non aaumption of forms is entirely
left to the option of the Muktaatma (released soul). If it chooses, it can take
MANY bodies out of its own free will like a flame that ignites several other
flames.Brahma Sutra Iv.4.12 confirms-
378 Yadhaa Sa Sareerataam Sankhalpayati Tadhaa Sa Sareera Bhavan |
379 Yadhaa Tu Asareerataam Tadaa Asareerah Iti Bhavati ||
380 4.15 ibid- further states-
381 Yathaa Praddepah Ekah Aneka Pradeepa Bhaavam Apaadhyate |
382 Vikaara- Sakti - Yogaat Evam Ekah Api San Muktaatma Aiswarya Yogaat
Aneka Bhaavam Aapaadhya Sarvaani Samkalpa- Srishtitaani Sareeraani
Aavisathi ||
383 When he so incarnates he will retain his Sudda Satva quality. During such
descents, his being, his knowledge and his bliss never get contracted
because he is 'ON DEPUTATION' AS IT WERE by God's will. For this
reason, results of deeds done during such sojourn in terrestrial life do not
affect him at all. Great spiritual Acharyas who lead the lay folk on the right
path are ,therefore, considered as such incarnations and should not be
viewed as ordinary human beings. They are the ' alter ego' of the Lord
himself and deserve respect and devotion as shown to the Lord.
384 THE GREAT ALWARS AND THE ACHARYAS LIKE THE JEEYAR OF
AHOBILA MUTT, PAUNDARIKAPUAM SRIMAD ANDAVAN, SRIMAD
ANDAVAN OF PERIYASHRAMAM AND SUCH OTHERS BELONG TO
THIS CATEGORY.
385 It is held by some that the Jeevatma merges, gets absorbed, gets
dissolved in Paramatma. This is not correct. According to Sri Bashya, what
happens is that the Jeevatma joins, associates and integrates with the
Paramatma.
386 IT STILL EXISTS AS AN ENTITY BUT UNITED WITH HIM INSEPARABLY
AND INDISTINGIUISHABLY. BEING UNITED IS NOT THE SAME THING
AS BEING IN UNION; RATHER IT IS IN CLOSE COMMUNION WITH
GOD.
387 An instance is cited here from Srimad Ramayana to make the point clear.
Sri Hanuman explains to Sri Sita how Sri Rama and Sugriva came
together. He uses the word 'Aikyam' which means ' COMING TOGETHER'
AND NOT ABSORPTION 26
388 Another example is given in Jayakya Samhita (4.83) is that WHEN IRON
IS HEATED TO A RED HOT STATE, IT LOOKS LIKE FIRE ITSELF
THOUGH THE TWO ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT ENTITIES. So also,
Iswara who is different from the Jeeva indwells in the Jeeva as Antaryami
and both appear as one entity though they are actually different. Unless
they are different, how could the scriptures speak of Jeevatma serving
Paramatma?
389 The Upanishad statement that the Jeeva is one with Paramatma refers
only to the equal enjoyment of the wisdom and bliss of the Brahman-
'Samyam"( Equality). There are quite a few areas of activity which are
inalienable and exclusive preserves of the Lord viz., One who is the cause
of the world
390 One who confers Moksha on the Jeevas
391 One who is the support of the world
392 One who is the controller of the world
393 One for whom all non-sentient things and sentient beings exist
394 One who has everything as his body
395 One who is denoted by all words
396 One who can be understood by the Vedas
397 One who is the refuge of all the worlds
398 One who should be adored by all those who desire Moksha
399 One who grants the fruits of all actions
400 One whose essential nature is Omnipresence, Omniscience and
Omnipotence
401 One who is the spouse of Sri Mahalakshmi.
402 These are the features peculiar to him and are his distinctive
characteristics. But, how come the equality spoken of? This is explained as
follows WHEN A FARMER WHO TOILS AND RAISES A CROP SHARES
THE FOOD PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF HIS LABOURS ALONG WITH
HIS CHILDREN, THE ENJOYMENT IS COMMON TO BOTH THE
FATHER AND THE CHILDREN. LIKEWISE, THE EQUALITY SPOKEN OF
IN THE UPANISHADS REFERS TO THE EQUAL ENJOYMENT OF THE
BLISS ARISING OUT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE LORD.
403 Chand. Up.also says that the Mukta sees everything and enjoys everything
with the Lord
404 Brahma Sutra also confirms this fact" There is no difference in the
enjoyment even though the Jeeva has no activity like creation of the world
(Jagat vyaapaara)
405 Lord Krishna confirms " Having gained this knowledge, they attain a status
equal to me; there is no more any birth or death for them"
406 Mundaka Up. " Shorn of all blemishes, he attains absolute equality with
me"
407 When two persons eat a delicious dish, the sense of enjoyment can be
said to be equal. This is "Sayujyam". There is however another term used
in this connection viz.,"Sarshtita" which means the intensity of pleasure
accruing from such sharing. If both of them enjoy the dish in the same
location, it is called "'Samana lokata" The Jeeva thus enjoys, Salokya,
Sameepya, Sayujya, Sarshtita and Samanaloka with the Lord
ETERNALLY, EVER AND ANON.
408 ANNEXURE 1
409 RESULTS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE SUBJECT
CONFIRMING THE VARIOUS FINDINGS OF HINDU SCRIPTURES ON
DEATH AND AFTER - DEATH. DEATH BED VISIONS (DBVs) - 1 "
Between 1959 and 1973, KARLIS OSIS under the auspices of first
Parapsychology foundation and then the American Society of Physical
Research collected data on tens of thousands of DBV and NDE in the USA
and in a joint effort with Erlandur Heraldson in India.
410 Deathbed Visions share common characteristics not influenced by racial,
cultural, religious, educational, age and socio-economic lines such as
radiant lights, scenes of great beauty, beings of light and feelings of great
peace... These figures are called "Take away apparitions' because their
apparent purpose is to summon or escort the dying to the after-world. Their
appearance usually elicits a response of joy, peace, happiness and
cessation of pain though a small number of individuals react with fear or
denial.
411 Total visions in which the dying behold (or are transported out of body to
see) a preview of the after- world, occur in about 1/3rd of DBVs. Such
visions usually are of endless and exquisitely beautiful gardens. Other
visions are of great architectural structures and symbols of transition such
as gates, bridges, rivers and boats. These after-world scenes may be
populated with angels or spirits of the dead and in a small number of
cases, may be permeated with celestial music. Typically, colors are vivid
and the dying one feels uplifted. Seldom do after-world visions conform to
the religious expectations of the dying.
412 OSIS and HERALDSON found DBVs are most likely to occur to patients
who are fully conscious. DBVs are significant to thanatology, the scientific
study of death, for they show death not as extinction but as a wondrous
transition, a rite of passage that should be undergone consciouly and with
dignity".
413 NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES (NDEs) - 2 "Term coined in the 1970s by
the American physician RAYMOND MOODY to describe the mystical- like
phenomena experienced by individuals who appear to die and then return
to life or who come close to death.
414 In an NDE, people generally experience one or more of the following : a
sense of being dead; or an OBE in which they feel themselves floating
above their bodies, looking down; cessation of pain and a feeling of bliss or
peacefulness; travelling down a dark tunnel toward a light at the end;
meeting non-physical beings who glow, many of whom are dead friends
and relatives; coming in contact with a guide or supreme being who takes
them on a life review during which their entire lives are put into perspective
without rendering any negative judgements about past acts and finally, a
reluctant return to life.
415 The NDE is not limited to religious or 'good' people. Many who have NDEs
become more spiritual or develop a belief in some type of God after their
return from death. Most say they lose their fear of death and begin
believing in after-life. Almost all discover a new and positive purpose for
their lives, finding meaning it previously lacked. In some cases, the NDE
leaves individuals with heightened intuitive or psychic abilities, including
precognition, clairvoyance and telepathy.
416 " Coming back to life" (1988) author P.M.H.ATWATER found that NDE
survivors identified these as the most common negative reactions : Anger,
because they had to return to life; Gulit, for not being sorry about leaving;
Disappointment, because once again they were back in their bodies;
Dumbfoundedness and inability to talk about their experiences ( or fear of
talking about it ); and Depression at the realization that they had to resume
their lives.
417 On the positive side, survivors offered these reactions : Ecstasy at the
wonder of their experience; Thrill, because of what they were able to
experience; Gratitude, for what had happened to them; Awe and lack of
words to describe what happened; Evangelism in wanting to tell others
why they should'nt fear death; And. Humility at the overwhelming nature of
their experience.
418 RING, philosopher, MICHAEL GROSSO and others have theorized that
NDE may be a form of enlightenment or ' Gateway' to a higher
consciousness and could have a transformative effect on the entire planet,
if enough people have similar experiences.
419 Modern NDE stories, like their medieval counterparts, provide a way for
individuals to incorporate a 'religious' sense to the cosmos into their
scientific / secular understanding. ZALESKI holds that NDE is 'one way in
which religious imagination mediates the search for the ultimate truth"
420 OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCES ( OBEs) - 3
421 "A phenomenon in which a person feels separated from his / her physical
body and seems to travel to and perceive distant locations on earth or in
non-worldly realms. OBEs are also called 'Astral Projection', 'Astral travel'
and 'Exteriprization'
422 While accounts of OBEs vary, there are common characteristics. Most
often reported is the existence of a second subtle body that becomes the
vehicle for travel. The subtle body is described as a ghostly semi-
transparent double of the physical body that is either naked, clothed in
duplicate clothing or clothed in other apparel. They pass through walls and
solid objects with the speed of thought,
423 The NDE usually involves some form of OBE. Some people who have
'clinically' died or come 'close to death' report the separation of their
consciousness from their bodies.
424 The OBE is often preceded by a perception of strong and high frequency
vibrations. Individuals report leaving through their head or solar plexus or
simply rising up and flaoting away. Re- entry is accomplished by returning
through the head or solar plexus or by melting back into the body.
425 It is believed that if the ' silver cord' is severed while one is out of body,
physical death occurs, because the body has been cut off from its soul.
The cord also is said to snap when the body dies and the consciousness
or soul is released."
426 ANNXURE 2
427 THE ROUTE OF THE PRAPANNA ' FROM HERE TO ETERNITY' ( Read
from 1 to 24)
428
429 24. Bhagavan Sri Vishnu Narayana in Paramapadam
430 23. Amitoujas- Paryanka ( Couch) - Saayujya
431 22. Brahma Yasas & Brahma Prajna - Divine fame, form cognition-
Saaroopya
432 21. Vichakshana - Peetam ( Seat) - Sameepya
433 20. Vibhupramitham or Prabhuvimitham-Gopura ( Tower)
434 19. Aparaajita - Paramapada Loka ( City)- Saalokya
435 18. SomasaVana ( Forest of Aswatta trees) where 500 Apsaras adorn the
Aprakrita Sareera of
436 the Soul with Brahma Gandha ( fragrance,) Brahma Ras ( Taste)
437 and Brahma Tejas ( splendour)
438 17. Airammadiyam ( A great lake) The soul takes
439 16. Aprakrita Sarira
440 15. After crossing the Viraja river, the river that bestows agelessness
441 14. Amanava Purusha a.k.a Vidyut Purusha a.k.a Maanasa Purusha
accompanied by
442 13. Prajapathi (the creator) takes the Sukshma Sarira of the Jeeva on its
upward march
443 after its being permitted by Chandra
444 12. Indra ( the master of Devas)
445 11. Varuna ( the master of the universe),
446 10. Chandra ( Moon God ) who questions the Soul on its eligibility to reach
Paramapada
447 9. Surya ( Sun God )
448 8. Vayu ( Wind God )
449 7. Samvatsara ( Presiding deity of the Year )
450 6. Uttaraayana ( Presiding deity of the half year of the Sun's Northern
movement )
451 5. Sukla Paksha (Presiding deity of the Bright fortnight of the Moon)
452 4. Ahas ( Presiding deity of the Day)
453 3. Archis ( Fire God )
454 2. Sukshma Sarira of Jeevatma with Prana, Manas,Gnanendriyas and
Karmendriyas
455 escaping through Brahma Nadi (.Sushumna or Murdanya ) at the crown of
456 1. the Stula Sarira (Gross body)
457 NOTES on References to Scriptural and other texts cited in Adhikaras
20,21 and 22 of RTS.
458 1. TM, verse 2 Ichuvai tavira yaan poi indiralokam alum Achuvai perinum
venden arangama nagar ulane
459 2. BG 4 / 1 "Imam viwaswate yogam proktavan Aham avyayam Viwaswan
maanave praha manur ikshvakave abraveeth"
460 3. BG 4 / 5 "Bahuni me vyateetani janmani tava cha arjuna janyaham veda
sarvani na tvam vedha! Paranthapa!"
461 4. Kirk,p.153
462 5. Bhagavata sloka ' yasya anugraham ichami dhanam tasya
haraamyaham Baandhavais cha viyogena brunam bavathi duhkitah Tena
duhkena santapto yadi maam na parityajeth Tam prasadam karishyami yat
surairapi durlabah
463 6. 3 Ms, Vol.5, p.1416
464 7. BG 8 /23 to26
465 Yata kale tu anavrittim avrittim cha eva Yoginah
466 Prayata yaanti tam kalam vakshyami bharatarshaba
467 Agnir jyotir ahah suklah shanmasa uttarayanam
468 Tatra prayata gachanti brahma brahmavido janah
469 Dhoomo ratris tatha krisnah shanmasa dakshinayanam
470 Tatra chaandramasam jyotirr yogi prapya nivartate
471 Sukla krishna gathi hi yete jagatah saswatte mathe
472 ekaya yatianavrittim anyaya avartate punah
473 8. MB Anusasana Parva 220. Divaa cha sukla pakshascha
uttarayanameva cha Mumurshatam prasastam viparitam tu garhitam
474 9. Brahma Sutra, 4.2.18 and 19' 'nisi nati chet na samsara bandasya yavat
deha bhavitvath darsayat cha/
475 athas cha ayanepi dakshine/'
476 10. Chan. Up.4.15.5 ' atha yadu chaivasmin savyankurvanti yati cha
narchishameva abisambavanti/
477 tat purusho manavah sa enan brahma gamayat yesha devapado
brahmapada yetena pratipadyamanaa imam manavam
avartamnaavartanta/naavartante/
478 11. Chan. Up., 6.8.6 "Asya somya, purushasya prayatah, Vak manasi
sampadyate, manah prane, pranah tejasi...
479 12. Brih.Up.,6.4.2
480 13. Pras. Up.,1.1.9 'Tadye ha vai tadishta purte kritam ityupasate, te
chandramasameva lokam abijayante, ta eva punar avartante."
481 14. Chan. Up.,5 / 3 to 10
482 15. Kata Up. 6.16
483 Satam cha ekaa hridayasya nadyas |
484 taasaam moordhanamabinihsrutaikaa ||
485 Tayo urdvam aayan amrutatvam eti |
486 Vishvanganya utkramena bhavanti ||
487 16. Varaha Charama Sloka
488 "Stite manasi susvaste sareere sati yo narah Dhatu samye stite smarta
viswaroopam cha maam ajam Tatastham mriyamaanam tu kashta
pashana sannibham Aham smaraami mad bhaktam nayaami paramaam
gathim"
489 17. BG 8 / 6
490 "Yam yam vapi smaran bhavam tyajante kalebaram
491 Tam tameva kaunteya! Sada tad bhava bhavitah:
492 18. Kurm. P.1.12.269
493 Brahmana saha te sarve sampraapte prati sanchare |
494 Parasya ante krutam atmanah pravisanti param padam"
495 19. MB., Santi Parva., 313 ( 26 to 31)
496 20. V. S. , verse 12 20
497 "Tad vishnoh paramam padam |
498 sada pasyanti soorayah |
499 Diveeva chakshuratatham |
500 Tad vipraso vipanyavo jagruvam sassamindate |
501 Visnoryah Paramam padamparyaptyaAnantarayaya sarva stomo |
502 Ati ratram uttamam ahar bhavathi |
503 Sarvasyaptyai sarvasya jityai |
504 sarvameva Tena aapnoti sarvam jayathi | "
505 21. Bhagavata sloka
506 " lokeshu vishnor nivasanti kechit |
507 Sameepam richanti cha kechit anye
508 Anye tu roopam sadrusam bhajante
509 Sayujyam anye sa tu moksha uktah ||"
510 22. Ahir. S., 37 / 25 and 26
511 " prapyate paramam dhama yato na avartate yatih"
512 23. BG 8 / 15 and 16
513 " maam upetya punar janma duhkalayam asaswatam |
514 Na apnuvanti mahatmaanah samsiddim paramam gathah ||
515 Aabrahmabhuvanal lokah punaravartino Arjuna! |
516 Maam upetya tu kaunteya! Punar janma na vidyate ||
517 24. PATM.,4.5.2 poyinaal pinnai ith disaikku enrum pinai koduthalum poga
vottare"
518 25. Brahma sutra., 4.4.22 - 24" ' Anavritti sabdath, Anavritti sabdath'
519 26. VR 5.35.51" Rama Sugrivayor Aikyam, Devi " evam Samajaayata"
520 27. Jay.S., 4..83
521 28. Taitt. Up. Ananda valli 1.2 "Sa asnute sarvan kaamaan saha
brahmanaa vipaschiteth"
522 29. Chan. Up. 7.26.2 " sarvamha pasyati sarvam aapnoti sarvasah"
523 30. Brahma Sutra 4.4.21 " bhoga maatra saamya lingaas cha"
524 31. BG 14 / 2 " Idam Gnanam Upasritya Mama Saadharmyam Agata
Sargepi Nopa jayante Pralaye Na Vyatanti Cha"
525 32. Mundaka Up. " " Niranjanah Paramam Saamyam Upaithi"
526 NOTES FOR ANNEXURE 1.
527 1. Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experience -by
Rosemary, Ellen Guiley Published by Harper, San Francisco- 1991 (p.
141- 143 )
528 2 ibid, ( p.399-400)
529 3. ibid ( p.419 - 423)
530 In the next 4 Adhikaras (23 to 26) called Streekarana part, Swami Desika
deals with anticipated doubts and objections relating to the principles
enunciated so far and answers them.
531
532 ADHIKARA 23: SIDDHA UPAYA SODHANA ADHIKARA
533 (On the One means already existing)
534
535 "Siddhopaya" means the one that is already existing. Since Bhagavan is
already there, there is no need to 'create' him. Only the means (Sadhya
upaya) has to be chosen. They are Bhakti and Prapatti as we have already
seen. To secure the knowledge of this already existent Upaya, one has to-
(i) appeal to Mother Goddess SRI LAKSHMI who grants the necessary
Gnana (ii) approach a proper preceptor and perform Bhakti or Prapatti (iii)
follow established traditions and observe the prescribed austerities. Those
who do not have a clear mind should not get into the company of atheists
who deny the very existence of God and those who deny God's
omnipotence- because such association would destroy all chances of
progress towards Godhead and consign their victims to eternal damnation.
536 Certain doubts relating to Siddhopaya are cleared as follows:
537 (1) Certain statements seem to suggest that Prapatti is not necessary.
Why should God ignore a Chetana for so long and why again should he
correct and bless him at a particular point of time,? If he does this in
exercise of His Swatantriya (independence), why should Chetana adopt
any Upaya at all?
538 Answer: It is true that the Lord is independent. Still he directs the Chetana
to take an Upaya before granting him Moksha. If he were to grant Moksha
to everyone indiscriminately without reference to the adoption of an Upaya,
would it not amount to partiality by bracketing together both the deserving
and the undeserving?
539 (2) If directing the Chetana to adopt an Upaya is also the handiwork of
God, Why God should not do this to everyone in the first place itself and
why different times are taken to different persons in bestowing his
benevolence?
540 Answer: The Chetana has to acquire a certain stage of evolution to be fit
enough to receive divine grace. As a result of different Karma, such an
evolution arises in different individuals at different times and God is quick
in directing one to take recourse to an Upaya as and when one is ready
and ripe enough for it.
541 (3)Certain pramanas ( authorities) depict as if God feels sorry on seeing
the suffering humanity. If this were so, does it not mean that he behaves
the same way as any of us?
542 Answer : Really, God is beyond all joy and sorrow we experience but his
exhibiting the same is to show a kind of sympathy with his devotees
543 (4)Since God is all powerful and all knowing, how can we who are fit to be
punished will ever be granted Moksha?
544 Answer: God's principal qualities are indeed Gnana and Sakti. Since he
knows everything he is aware of our fault and merits; since he is also
powerful he can no doubt inflict punishments or award rewards., Thus
Gnana and Sakti are useful in punishing as much as in rewarding good
deeds. But, His Karunya (compassion) is exclusively useful for conferring
his grace on the sinner who surrenders to him.
545 (5)Since it is said that a Prapanna has done what he ought to do, does it
mean that he need not do any karmas after Prapatti?
546 Answer: What is meant is that he need not do anything for the purpose of
securing Moksha .It does not mean that he can give up Nitya and
Naimittika karmas which have to be done for the pleasure of the Lord.
547 (6) Does it mean that because one has done Prapatti, he is entitled for
Moksha?
548 Answer: The answer is Yes and No. Without doing Prapatti or Bhakti, one
cannot secure Moksha and one is definitely entitled to Moksha but this
does not mean that Prapatti itself grants Moksha. It is the Lord's sankalpa
that is really responsible for the Prapanna securing Moksha.
549 (7)As God is like mother, he has to nourish the child, the child has nothing
to do at all. .Is this correct? Answer: TRUE. BUT EVEN IN THIS CASE,
THE CHILD HAS TO PUT ITS MOUTH TO THE BREAST OF THE
MOTHER BEFORE SHE COULD FEED IT. PRAPATTI IS LIKE THIS AND
HAS TO BE GONE THROUGH.
550 (8) When it is the Lord who grants Moksha , how does Goddess Lakshmi
come into the picture?
551 Answer: The Lord has vowed to protect his proteges and this he is doing
as a Yagna. As a person without a wife is not fit to do any yagna, he is
always accompanied by - Sri Lakshmi in performing this yagna. She is with
him both in Upaya and Phala. This has been confirmed by great sages like
Nammalwar, Hiranyagarbhar, Kasyapa, Sownaka, Sri Parasara,
Emperumanar (Satvata Samhita), Sri Ramanuja, Kurattalwan, Bhattar,
Nanjeeyar and a host of other great personalities. Just as in yagas the
offerings are submitted to two or more deities together, as for example for
Agni and Soma etc., the offering of our souls is submitted to the divine
couple and both together protect the souls jointly.
552 (9) But the scriptures do not always refer to the divine couple but only to
the Lord?
553 Answer : Wherever the scriptures refer to the Lord, it should be taken as
referring to both. For the sake of convenience, they have divided among
themselves the various qualities and responsibilities. The Lord has such
masculine qualities like independence, power to quell the wicked, firmness
etc., while Mother Goddess is the personification of patience, forbearance,
tenderness and other feminine qualities chief of which is MERCY OR
COMPASSION with which she prevails upon the Lord to spare the rod and
accept the surrendered soul and admit him into the Moksha Samrajya.
554 (10)It is said that when the Goddess takes independent position in the
Archa form we can not worship her in that form? Answer : The Archa form
of mother Goddess has three manifestations in the temples viz., (i)
Layaarcha : her form seated on the chest of the Lord (ii) Bhogarcha: Her
form as seated or standing by the side of the Lord and (Iii) Adhikararcha :
her manifestations in separate temples without the form of the Lord
555 While there is no doubt of worshipping her in the first two forms, it must be
mentioned that in the third form she is believed to confer boons other than
Moksha. In actual practice, however, even when she manifests in
Adhikaraarcha form, it can be seen that the Lord always adorns her chest
even as she adorns his chest in the Laya Archa form.
556
557 ADHIKARA 24 : SADHYOPAYA SODHANA ADHIKARA
558 (Clarification of certain doubts regarding the means of Bhakti and Prapatti)
559
560 (1) How Bhakti which is difficult to practice and Prapatti which is easier to
practice could result in the same benefit of Moksha?
561 Answer: To the one who has the capacity to adopt Bhakti, that is the
proper course. For the one who is incapable of doing Bhakti in the manner
elaborated earlier the only course open is Prapatti. Just like a sick person
is advised manasa snana (thinking of the lord) as he is not fit to take
shower and it is said to confer the same purification as a regular bath,
while doing prapatti, the lord is supposed to stand in the place of Bhakti
and grant the desired reward of Moksha which is the common goal of both
Bhakti and Prapatti.
562 A tiller toils and earns by the sweat of the brow and enjoys the fruits of his
labor; But, a merchant sits in his shop, sells goods, earns and enjoys the
fruits of his earnings. The pleasure of enjoying the earnings is the same for
both the tiller and the merchant. Similarly, the fruits obtained by the difficult
process of Bhakti and the easy means of Prapatti give the same kind of
pleasure Viz., Moksha.
563 (2) It is said that Prapatti will secure not only Moksha but also other worldly
benefits .In actual practice, however, we see several Prapannas not
securing material benefits. Why is this so?
564 Answer: It may be that the Prapatti was not done with adequate intensity of
confidence (Mahavisvasa) or that God grants material benefits or withholds
them in accordance with the Karma that the Prapanna had agreed to go
through while performing Tripta Prapatti.
565 (3) It is questioned why if Bhakti yoga is so difficult, it should be prescribed
at all and especially when it has no relevance in the Kaliyuga?
566 Answer: Even in Kaliyuga saints like Nammalwar attained Moksha through
Bhakti. Hence, there is no harm in prescribing it.
567 (4)What is the daily routine of a Prapanna?
568 Answer: The daily routine of a Prapanna is as follows: The daytime is
divided into 5 periods of say 2 1/2 to 3 hours from sunrise.
569 1st period: Abhigamana : Praying to the Lord that the day's austerities
should be carried on without any impediments.
570 2nd Period: Upadana: Gathering flowers ,leaves, preparing sandal paste
etc for the purpose of doing the Thiru Aradhana (Ritual worship). This
includes purification both physical and mental by uttering the appropriate
Mantras.
571 3rd Period: Ijya: Thiru Aradhana proper according to Agama traditions
572 4th Period: Svadhyaya: augmenting knowledge of philosophical truths by
deep study of the scriptures
573 5th period: Yoga: Meditating on the feet of the Lord both during the waking
state and during the dream state.
574
575 ADHIKARA 25 : PRABHAVA VYAVASTHA ADHIKARA
576 (Limitations under which Bhakti and Prapatti operate)
577
578 Certain people exaggerate the efficacy of Prapatti to absurd extents. This
chapter seeks to disabuse the views so expressed on certain aspects.
579 ( 1 ) That even though one is born in a lower caste, he becomes one of a
higher caste on performing Prapatti. The answer is that so long as the
body exists, the caste does not change. EVEN A TEMPLE COW,
HOWEVER HOLY IT MIGHT BE, REMAINS ONLY A COW.
580 Even though Sri Krishna eulogized VIDURA a person belonging to the
fourth caste, he did not say that he changed his caste. Similarly, even
Viswamitra never became a Brahmin. The story regarding his birth shows
that since his mother partook of the potion meant for a Brahmin foetus, he
was already a Brahmin indeed by birth but his brahminic traits remained
eclipsed. This does not mean that one can afford to despise another on the
basis of caste. EVEN A PERSON OF THE SO CALLED LOWER CASTE,
IF THEY ARE DEVOTEES - DUE RESPECT HAS TO BE PAID TO THEM.
FOR, DID NOT THE BRAHMIN MADHURAKAVI BECOME THE
DISCIPLE OF THE SUDRA NAMMALWAR ?
581 ( 2 ) That even the sins committed by a Prapanna knowingly will not affect
him and some people go the extent of saying that God relishes the sins.
This is not correct. Sins can be exculpated either by atonement by
performing another Prayaschitta Prapatti or by suffering the consequences
during the current life itself. There is no doubt, however, in the Prapanna
attaining Moksha since his sins will get wiped out by one of these methods
before his death.
582 ( 3 ) That the spittle of a Prapanna is holy. This is a gross
exaggeration .Spittle can never be considered holy.
583 ( 4 ) That whatever a Prapanna utters becomes law. This is not correct.
Only those utterances which are not repugnant to the Sastras can be held
valid. Prapannas should attend to Bhagavatas whenever an occasion
arises Bhagavatas are of three kinds:
584 (i) EKANTINS :Who have no attachment towards other deities and are
totally dedicated to Sri Narayana.
585 (ii) PARAMAIKANTINS: who have no goal other than attaining the feet of
the Lord.
586 (iii) SHODASA VAMA SVARNA PARAMAIKANTINS: who are so dedicated
to the Lord that they do not aspire for any thing including Svarga or even
Moksha They just do their duty and expect nothing in return leaving
everything to God.
587
588 ADHIKARA 26 : PRABHAVA RAKSHA ADHIKARA
589 (Indication of the efficacy of Prapatti)
590
591 This Chapter shatters the attempts of some who denigrate the importance
of Prapatti and establishes the efficacy of Prapatti.
592 ( 1 ) Even if a Bhagavata has swerved a little from the Sastric injunctions
unwittingly, HE SHOULD NOT BE DISRESPECTED. You should not,
however, seek to get Samasrayanam or Bharanyasam from him.
593 ( 2 ) Disrespect to a Bhagavata is more deadly than even sinning against
God.
594 ( 3 ) Chanting the names of God (Nama samkeerthana) and residing with
Bhaghavatas will be useful in taking a person to the right path of Bhakti or
Prapatti, only if he is not an atheist at heart.
595 ( 4 ) PRAPATTI DESTROYS NOT ONLY SANCHITA KARMA BUT IS
CAPABLE OF DESTROYING PRARABDA KARMA ALSO COMMITTED
UPTO THE POINT OF PERFORMING PRAPATTI.
596 ( 5 ) Why Prapannas also suffer during their lifetime? It may be that they
had not prayed for a suffering-free Post-Prapatti life. But, more importantly,
for such Prapannas God dispenses with their Prarabda karmas through ill
health, death of near and dear ones to make them absolutely Karma-free.
SUFFERING IS A CHASTENING AGENT FOR A PRAPANNA.
597 ( 6 )SAMAASRAYANAM is the ceremony by which one gets administered
the PANCHA SAMSKARA ( the five-fold purificatory ceremonies) by their
Acharyas. They are:-
598 (i) TAAPA : getting embossed with the impressions of the conch
(Panchajanya Sankha) and Wheel (Sudarsana Chakra) on the arms by the
Acharya.
599 (ii) PUNDRA: Wearing the twelve Sri Vaishnava marks on the body reciting
appropriate names of the Lord as taught by the Acharya
600 (iii) NAAMA : Adding a suffix like 'Dasa" to one's name in token of one's
subordination to Sri Ramanuja
601 (iv) MANTRA: Learning from the Acharya the three great Mantras of
Ashtakshara, Dvaya and Charamasloka with their invocatory Slokas
(Dyana Slokas).
602 (v) AARAADHANA: Learning Aaraadhana or ( the formula for worship of
God-) Both external (Baahya) and mental (Maanasika). The detailed
procedure of such worship is given in Nitya Grantha of Sri Ramanuja.
603 BUT,FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THE WORSHIP AS PER
THE FULL STANDARDS, THE SAME MAY BE DONE IN AN ABRIDGED
FORM (LAGHU THIRUVARADHANA) WITHOUT THE LOSS OF THE
SPIRIT., FOR AFTER ALL, WHAT IS IMPORTANT - IS SINCERITY AND
QUALITY, NOT DURATION NOR QUANTITY. Aradhana is normally to be
done in the mornings at the Ijya period, but on special occasions like
Janmashtami, Sri Rama Navami and Nrisimha Jayanthi, the Bahya
Aradhana should be done at midnight, noon and at sunset receptively.
604 ( 7 ) IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT EVEN THOSE WHO HAVE NOT
GONE THROUGH THE PANCHASAMSKARA OR ANY PART THEREOF,
IF THEY DO PRAPATTI - SO LONG AS THEY ARE NOT ATTACHED TO
PETTY DEITIES AND DO NOT DISRESPECT BHAGAVATAS AND
ACHARYAS- THEY WILL SURELY ATTAIN MOKSHA AT THE END OF
THE CURRENT LIFE ITSSELF.
605 EVEN AN ANIMAL ( GAJENDRA) AND A BIRD ( KAKASURA) WHICH
HAD NOT GONE THROUGH THE PANCHA SAMSKARA HAD DONE
PRAPATTI AND ATTAINED MOKSHA. THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT
THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE PANCHA SAMSKARA BUT THAT DUE
TO UNAVOIDABLE CIRCUMSTANCES THOSE WHO COULD NOT OR
HAD NOT GONE THROUGH THESE, NEED NOT FEEL DESPONDENT
BUT CAN TALE RECOURSE TO PRAPATTI AND BE SAVED.
606 ( 8 ) How to identify a REAL BHAGAVATA? Would it be correct to give
respect to one who has just the external marks like Nama, Rupa, Taapa
etc., only and who in reality is not a Vishnu Bhakta? So long as the
duplicity of such a person does not get exposed, a Prapanna will have to
show respect, But, once it gets revealed, the Prapanna can just ignore
him.
607
608 ADHIKARA 30 : ACHARYA KRITYA ADHIKARA
609 (The duties of an Acharya)
610
611 The three great Mantras and their significance can be appreciated only by
those initiated by tradition into their secrets. THE DELIGHTFUL TASTE OF
THE BREAST MILK OF THE LIONESS CAN BE APPRECIATED ONLY
BY HER OWN CUBS.
612 In the first place, the Acharya will himself master the hidden truths of the
scriptures as taught by his Acharyas and by faithfully following the
injunctions, acquire the quality of Sattva . He would then select the proper
students by testing their sincerity and integrity and impart to them the
traditional teachings. Students found wanting in these respects should not
be admitted for instruction into these truths. Otherwise, it will be like saying
'Anything is fish that comes to the net'.
613 The preceptor should avoid liars, eunuchs, misers, mentally perverse,
conceited., those who delight in tormenting others, those who indulge in
vilifying others, those that engage in vain arguments (Vitandavada),
atheists (Nastikas), those who heckle for the sake of embarrassing
demanding reasons for everything (Hytukas), those whose views are
distorted (Kudhrishti), prattlers (Jalpa), who misinterpret (Kuyukta),
heretics (Pashandis), and hypocrites who pose to be virtuous but in reality
are vile.
614 Lord Krishna, the Prathama Acharya " prohibits transmission of these
secrets to those who do not perform their dharmic duties, those who do not
have faith in God, those who are not sincere and eager to learn and most
importantly those who bear ill will or jealousy towards God and therefore
intolerant."
615 He proceeds to advise as to whom these secrets can be revealed and the
benefits accruing from such revelation. "These secrets can be revealed
only to those devoted to me. Anyone who reveals to such deserving
persons would notice an unfoldment of his own devotion into the state of
Parabhakti and finally secure myself as his reward"
616 "Even among those who possess positive qualities as discerned by the
preceptor by means of appropriate tests, cannot be told unless the would
be student formally petitions to him -in the manner of Arjuna pleading
before the Lord
617 Some students who may not have the requisite caliber to assimilate but
are nevertheless sincere in reforming themselves may be instructed the
broad outlines of Tattva, Hita and Uttarakritya without going deeper into
the esoteric meanings enshrined in the great truths.
618 Tattva: Jeevatma is a permanent sentient entity as different from the body
that is perishable. Again, Jeevatma is different from Paramatma who is its
SESHI and its ONLY protector. This is Tattva.
619 Hita: This Jeevatma remains submerged from beginning-less time in the
ocean of Samsara. Only by a stroke of luck it could come across an
Acharya who would instruct the Dvaya Mantra and initiate into Prapatti.
This is Hita.
620 Uttara Kritya: The Jeevatma should have total and unconditional faith that
having been recommended by the Acharya, the Lord would most certainly
grant Moksha and will under no circumstances forsake the surrendered
soul and it should in the post-prapatti period, till the end of the current life
do service to Bhagavan, Bhagavatas and Acharyas. This is Uttara kritya.
621 These truths have been handed down to successive generations from Sri
Ramanuja to Pranathartihara (a.k.a.Kidambi Achan, Madaippalli Achan)
and then to his son, Kidambi Ramanujacharya and his son Kidambi
Rangarajachariyar and to his son Kidambi Appullar (a.k.a. Vadihamsa
Ambuvaha chariyar). This Appullar was the maternal uncle of Swami Sri
Vedanta Desika from whom he learnt them. As directed by Lord Hayagriva
himself, Swami Desika acted as his scribe in incorporating them in the
Rahasya Traya Sara. Thus, the great Mantra has been invested with divine
sanction besides having glorious Guru Sishya Parampara. As such, the
truths should be cherished like a great treasure and handed down only to
worthy recipients.
622
623 ADHIKARA 31 : SISHYA KRITYA ADHIKARA
624 ( DUTIES OF THE DISCIPLE )
625
626 As the Acharya has shown him the way to Tattva, Hita and Uttarakritya like
showing to a poverty stricken person a treasure lying hidden under his own
home which he had not known before, and that without any expectation of
any reward- the disciple should be ever grateful to the Acharya. This
gratitude is no return for favor received. In fact, the Sishya on his own free
volition should offer his entire wealth, or half of it, or a quarter of it or
whatever he can- again not in the attitude of returning any favor to the
Acharya. The Upanishad commands that the disciple should show the
same Bhakti towards his Acharya as he shows to the Lord himself:
627 "Yasya deve para bhaktih yatha deve tatha gurou".
628 Otherwise, he would be *like a blind man even when he has his eyes in
tact*. All Sastras proclaim that for the Acharya who has shown the way to
Moksha. there is nothing that can be deemed adequate recompense. Any
offer made to the Acharya can only be a token of gratitude and never be
any return. The truths learnt from the Acharya should not be revealed to
undeserving persons just for the sake of money or in an open assembly
consisting of both deserving and undeserving persons. Otherwise, it would
be LIKE WATER KEPT IN A SKULL OR MILK PLACED IN A WATERPOT
MADE OF DOG'S LEATHER thus becoming worthless due to the
impurities of the containers.
629 If one indulges in imparting sacred knowledge to undeserving for the sake
of material gain, it would be - - LIKE EATING THE VOMIT, as it were or -
LIKE A PROSTITUTE adorning herself for pleasing her clients or - LIKE
SANDAL PASTE ( CHANDAN) PREPARED FOR SALE or - LIKE A BAG
OF POPCORN SCATTERED ON THE ROAD or - LIKE ENTRUSTING A
GARLAND OF FLOWERS TO THE HANDS OF A MONKEY.
630 If the Sastras learnt are not utilized for the performance of dharmic duties,
self purification or self improvement, such Sastras , however beautiful in
diction and style would be LIKE THE CAWING OF THE CROW. The
disciple ( now turned preceptor) should-
631 1. Always remember and openly acknowledge his gratitude to the line of
his preceptors through whom he had acquired the sacred knowledge.
632 2. Should not propagate the truths without first initiating the Sishya;
otherwise, knowledge acquired through books or by eavesdropping
expositions can only be in 'bits and pieces'. One who tries to learn
stealthily would be - LIKE A THIEF ADORNING STOLEN ORNAMENTS
ALWAYS APPREHENSIVE OF BEING APPREHENDED.
633 3. If one does not pay obeisance to his Guru before commencing his
instructions, the meanings of the truths will be lost on his audience LIKE A
CREEPER THAT IS MERELY WINDING AROUND A TREE WITHOUT
HAVING ITS OWN ROOTS FIRMLY GROUNDED IN THE SOIL.
634 4. He should not twist the meanings conveyed to him by his teacher.
Otherwise, he would be treated AS A TRAITOR.
635 5. It is equally wrong not to impart guidance to a deserving student.
636 6. Even if, by fortuitous circumstances, he stumbles upon new ways of
expressing the truths, he should acknowledge that he is able to so express
solely by the benign grace of his Acharya and never claim any originality
for himself. Only if this is done, his rating in the minds of his own Sishyas
will go up sensing the gratitude shown to the PRACHARYAS.(Guru's
Gurus).
637 The Upanishads and the Parama Purusha hailed by the Upanishads would
be pleased;. When the Praachaarya comes to know about such grateful
expressions, he would feel mighty pleased that his efforts have not been in
vain but have actually borne fruit.
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