Bhakti List Archives

Re: The "real" Ramanuja (excerpts from Sri Bhasya)

From the Bhakti List Archives

Parthasarati Dileepan • Tue Mar 12 1996 - 12:20:04 PST 


On Tue, 12 Mar 1996 12:05:55 -0800 Mani said:
>
>Regarding hell: I have rethought my position and I agree
>that the hell as conceived of by the PurANas and Brahma-sutras
>makes logical sense and is fully acceptable.  There is no
>logical reason to deny it, though I still maintain that
>a bhakta would be happy in hell as well, since she sees
>God everywhere.
>



   While reading this post I am reminded of
   ThoNaradippodi aazhvaar's paasuram which
   clearly states that our Lord's grace does
   pervade hell and provide respite.


         namanum muRkalanum pEsa
             narakil ninRaargaL kEtka,
         narakamE suvarkka maakum
             naamangaL udaiya nambi,
         avanathoor arangamennaathu
             ayarththu veezhnthaLiya maanthar,
         kavalaiyuL padukin Raar en
             RathanukkE kavalkinREnE!


   (Even the torments of hell miraculously turn into
    pleasurable heaven for those who are in earshot of
    the conversation between Yama and Mudkalan that
    includes our Lord's names.  I worry for those who
    can't find it in themselves to praise Sri Rangam
    the abode of this great Lord.)


    But I think our Lord would never let anyone who
    has attained the state of seeing Him even in hell
    to langush in it even for a fraction of a second.



-- pd


p.s. There is more to this legend concerning Yama
     and Mudgalan.  I will post the details if I can
     dig them up.  If anyone else is familiar please post.