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Re:Meaning of prapatti

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K.P. Sridharan • October 17, 1995 


In Bhagavad Gita 2.7 Arjuna says " Sishyas teham shadhi maam tvaam 
prapannam"  which is translated by srila Prabhupada as " I am your 
disciple and a soul surreddered unto you. Please instruct me" 

The meaning for prepatti here is" surrender". Arjuna in this verse is 
seeking help with a sense of hopelessness. There seems to be no 
indication that the surrender was suggested by the Lord.

	If an individual has no freedom to act then what is the role of 
free will?  For the doctrine of karma to true be I believe that operation of 
free will is essential.  May be somebody can enlighten us on the subject.

K.P.Sridharan
P.O.Box 3313, DSU
Cleveland MS 38733


On 17 Oct 1995, Eswar Josyula wrote:

> I have the same problem in understanding difference between
> bhakti and prapatti, as Ravi has.  Although, the bhakti/prapatti
> terminology is commonly used only in Srivaisnavism, the concepts
> are common to all.
> 
> As I understand, Bhakti is an individual's effort in developing
> relationship with God.  This includes the different kinds of 
> sadhana or devotional services.  So it appears that bhakti is
> initiated by the individual.  Prapatti, on the other hand is initiated
> totally by God only.  In prapatti, God as the Supreme controller
> initiates or accepts service as He only knows how and why.
> 
> The key concept here is whether an individual has even a little
> freedom to as he/she wishes to do or is that also controlled by God.
> 
> Please correct me, as necessary.
> 
> -Eswar Josyula
> 
>