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granting of liberation

From the Bhakti List Archives

Jay.Bharadwaj • October 25, 1995 


Shri Varadhan seems to have limited the meaning of Prapatti to one
process followed exclusively by Vadagalai Srivaishnava Acharyas.
Prapatti ultimately means to understand that we are the property of
Sriman Narayana and we exist to serve Him at all times, in all places
and under all circumstances.  In a lecture given by Srimad Azhagiya
Singar the 44th Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt, He stated that there was a
Bhagavata who refused to accompany Bhagavan when it was time for his
Moksha unless Bhagavan also gave Moksha to a pitcher (vessel to hold
water) that was in his hut.  After some arguments Bhagavan relented
and two Jivatmas that inhabited the pitcher got liberation along with
the Bhagavata.  Vedanta Deshikar mentions in His minor Rahasyas that
Dasharatha did Prapatti to Kakasura and Draupadi did Prapatti to the
Pandavas.  This Prapatti was not done in the same process or by
reciting Sharanagati Gadyam of Ramanuja.  The concept of Prapatti as
used in the posting of Shri Dileepan is much wider.  Even
Shankaracharya has finally said: "Oh Lord, even though I know that
You and I are one (that is I am not this material body but that the
Jivatma is made up of the same substance that God is made up of or
spirit) let me not forget that I belong to You and that You do not
belong to me, just as the waves belong to the ocean and the ocean
does not belong to the waves."  Anyone who understands this statement
of Adi Shankaracharya and acts in that way towards Sriman Narayana
has also done Prapatti.  Prapatti does not have to be done by an
Acharya but can also be done by the individual him/her self.

Jaganath.