Ramanuja

Ramanuja: The Architect of Loving Devotion

Bhagavad Ramanuja (1017-1137), a luminous Vedic spiritual leader, philosopher, and mystic, stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of Hinduism. ("Bhagavad" is an honorific title, signifying his revered status.) His profound teachings and transformative leadership revolutionized religious practice in 11th-century southern India, leaving an indelible mark on the course of Hinduism.

The Vedantic Path: A Journey to Brahman and Self-Realization

The Vedantic path, a profound journey of spiritual practice aimed at realizing the ultimate reality, Brahman, has its roots in the ancient wisdom of the Upanishads. This path, emphasizing worshipful meditation and service, known as Bhakti, was later systematized by Ramanuja, who re-established and illuminated these ancient principles for a wider audience. Ramanuja's insights, as seen in his commentaries on the Brahma-Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and independent works, provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and engaging in this transformative journey.

At the heart of Vedanta lies the concept of Brahman, described in the philosophical tradition using terms such as Narayana. Brahman is not merely an abstract principle, but the foundational essence of all existence, the source from which everything emerges, in which everything resides, and into which everything ultimately dissolves. It is characterized as eternal, unchanging, infinite, and possessing all auspicious qualities, representing the state of perfect and complete being. Brahman is endowed with infinite, glorious attributes, a reality overflowing with auspicious qualities like boundless knowledge, bliss, power, and an ocean of compassion, love, beauty, and majesty.

The pursuit of Brahman is not merely an intellectual exercise but the very purpose of existence. Separation from this ultimate reality is considered the root of suffering, the cause of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara). Experiencing union with Brahman, therefore, is seen as the attainment of liberation (Moksha), a state of complete freedom, bliss, and ultimate fulfillment.

The Nature of Reality

Vedanta, as interpreted through the lens of Ramanuja's philosophy, understands reality as a unified whole, with Brahman as the central, all-pervading principle. This perspective sees a fundamental interconnectedness between all things.

Brahman (The Ultimate Reality)

Brahman is the supreme, all-encompassing consciousness. It is the ground of being, beyond the limitations of time, space, and form. Brahman is the ultimate subject, the "Seer" behind all seeing, and exists beyond the reach of ordinary perception. The text describes this reality as having "infinite knowledge, bliss," and being "the ocean of compassion." It is crucial to understand that Brahman is not a distant, detached entity but is intimately present as the in-dwelling spirit (Antaryamin) in every being, seated at the very heart of our individual selves. This indwelling presence is a continuous, loving act, a display of Brahman's inherent grace.

Pratyag Atman (The Individual Self)

The individual self (jiva or pratyag atman) is an eternal unit of consciousness inherently connected to Brahman. It is described as "unborn, eternal, everlasting, ancient," highlighting its transcendence of the physical body and the cycle of birth and death. The individual Atman is characterized by consciousness and is the true essence of each individual. The individual atman finds its fulfilment in recognizing itself as an instrument of Brahman. Crucially its sense of "I" persists in the state of liberation, where it restored to its true and blissful spiritual state, a "mode" of Brahman's own being.

The Path of Spiritual Practice

Ramanuja, drawing from the Bhagavad Gita and ancient Vedic wisdom, emphasizes a practical path of spiritual practice designed to facilitate the realization of Brahman and the true nature of the self. This path is a harmonious blend of action, knowledge, devotion, and self-surrender.

Karma Yoga (The Path of Selfless Action): This path emphasizes the importance of performing one's duty (Dharma) in the world without attachment to the results. Actions are to be performed as offerings to Brahman, purifying the mind and weakening the grip of ego-centered desires. Ramanuja highlights that "action is superior to inaction," emphasizing that engagement with the world, when done correctly, is essential for spiritual progress. He declares that this path of selfless action to be highly practical and accessible to a wide range of individuals. Actions, when performed as offerings, become a form of worship, a tangible expression of devotion.

Buddhi Yoga (The Path of Right Understanding): Cultivating right understanding is crucial. This involves recognizing the eternal nature of the Atman, its distinction from the transient physical body and the material world, and its inherent connection to Brahman. This understanding is not merely intellectual but experiential, a deep realization that transforms one's perception of reality.

The Stable Mind (Sthita Prajna): Ramanuja's commentary on the Gita describes the characteristics of a person with a stable mind (Sthita Prajna). This individual is free from excessive desires, remains unperturbed by life's ups and downs, and maintains equanimity in the face of pleasure and pain. This state is achieved through dedicated spiritual practice, sense control, and the cultivation of detachment from the objects of the senses. A stable mind is free from being "tossed around by the senses," and able to engage in spiritual practices without being moved by the various circumstances of life. It is a state of inner peace and equilibrium that arises from a deep recognition of one's true self and its inherent connection with Brahman.

Bhakti Yoga (The Path of Devotion): Devotion to Brahman is cultivated through practices like prayer, meditation, chanting, and selfless service. This devotion is characterized by love, surrender, and an intense yearning for union with the divine. Such devotion leads to liberation. This path involves recognizing Brahman as one's innermost Self, the Inner Controller and the Ultimate Reality behind all existence. Bhakti is not a passive emotion but an active engagement with the Divine, a continuous offering of oneself to the Beloved. Importantly, the path of devotion is not separate from knowledge or action. In Ramanuja's system, true knowledge of Brahman leads to devotion, and devotion, in turn, deepens knowledge. Action performed with a heart full of devotion becomes a powerful means of expressing and experiencing that love. The Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita are emphatic that bhakti is no mere emotionalism, but is paravidya, the highest knowledge.

Practical Steps on the Path

Ramanuja's works provide guidance on practical aspects of spiritual practice:

Meditation: He recommends meditation as a means of focusing the mind on Brahman, and lists various aspects of Brahman that may be used as a point of focus, including its infinite attributes, its indwelling presence, and its beautiful form.

Ethical Conduct: Living a virtuous life, free from harmful actions and driven by compassion (daya), non-violence (ahimsa), and righteousness (dharma), is essential.

Self-Inquiry: Constant reflection on the nature of the self, its relationship to Brahman, and the inherent qualities of peace, joy, and knowledge that define the true self are encouraged.

Surrender (Prapatti): Ramanuja, following the Gita, recommends surrendering the fruits of one's actions to Brahman, recognizing that the ultimate reality is the true doer and enjoyer. This entails a profound recognition that one belongs to Brahman entirely, and one's ego must be offered to Him. Crucially, this surrender can also be the primary path to realization.

Mindfulness: Living mindfully, being aware of one's thoughts, emotions, and actions, is a key aspect of the practice.

Sense Control: Ramanuja advises withdrawing the mind from excessive sensory indulgence and directing it inwards towards the Atman and Brahman.

Devotion in Action: Engaging in acts of devotion, such as worship (archana), chanting the names of God (japa), singing his glories (kirtan), remembering Him constantly (smarana) and prostration (pranama), are highlighted as important practices.

Spiritual Guidance: Seeking guidance from those who have realized these truths (acharya) is absolutely essential.

The Goal: Liberation and Union

The ultimate goal of this Vedantic path is liberation (Moksha) – freedom from the cycle of birth, death, and suffering. This liberation is achieved through the realization of one's true nature made of knowledge, bliss, and being an instrument of Brahman. This realization leads to the experience of blissful union with Brahman. This union, as interpreted in this philosophical tradition, does not imply a merging into an undifferentiated oneness but rather a state of loving communion with the divine, where the individual self retains its distinct identity while experiencing its inherent connection to the ultimate reality.

This path, as presented by Ramanuja, emphasizes a holistic approach to spiritual life, integrating action, knowledge, and devotion. It offers a practical framework for individuals to cultivate inner peace, realize their true potential, and ultimately attain the highest goal of human existence – union with Brahman. This union is described as a state of "unparalleled bliss," a state beyond all suffering and limitations. It is the ultimate purpose for which we exist. Importantly, the bliss of liberation is not a negation of the world but a (purna), or complete, experience of it, with the understanding that all things are ultimately rooted in and expressive of Brahman's glory.

Brahman: The All-Pervading Reality

Brahman is not a static, inactive principle but a dynamic, vibrant reality endowed with infinite auspicious attributes. These attributes are not mere additions to Brahman but are integral to its very nature. They include:

Satya (Truth): Brahman is the ultimate truth, the ground of all reality, and the source of all that is real.

Jnana (Knowledge): Brahman is omniscient, possessing complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future.

Ananda (Bliss): Brahman is the embodiment of infinite and unalloyed bliss, a state of perfect joy and fulfillment that transcends all earthly pleasures.

Ananta (Infinitude): Brahman by nature is infinite and boundless, extending beyond all limitations of space, time, and attributes, encompassing the totality of existence as the eternal, unchanging, and ultimate reality, while simultaneously being the in-dwelling, sustaining, and animating principle within all beings and the entire cosmos.

Amala (Purity): Brahman is absolutely pure and untainted by any imperfection, limitation, or evil.

Shakti (Power): Brahman possesses infinite, wondrous powers and is the source of all in the universe.

Karuna (Compassion): Brahman is infinitely compassionate, filled with love and concern for all beings.

Vatsalya (Affection): Brahman has a tender, parental affection for all souls, particularly for those who turn to Hin in love.

Soundarya (Beauty): Brahman possesses a transcendental beauty that captivates the hearts and minds of those who perceive It. This beauty reflects the inner perfection and harmony of the Divine Essence.

These are just a few examples of the infinite qualities attributed to Brahman. They are not separate from Brahman but are expressions of its essential nature.

The Relationship between Brahman, the World, and the Individual Soul

Ramanuja emphasizes the inseparable relationship between Brahman, the world (both insentient matter and sentient beings), and individual souls. This relationship is often described as that of the soul (Atman) to the body (Sharira). Just as the body is entirely dependent on the soul for its existence and functioning, so too are the world and individual souls utterly dependent on Brahman.

The World as the Body of God: The universe, in all its diversity and complexity, is considered the body of Brahman. This means that Brahman is the inner atma, or soul, of the universe, pervading and sustaining it from within.

The Individual Soul as a Mode of God: Similarly, individual souls are also considered inseparable parts or modes (prakara) of Brahman. They are distinct from Brahman but not independent of it. They are like rays of the sun, distinct yet ultimately emanating from and dependent upon the sun itself.

This understanding of the relationship between Brahman, the world, and the individual soul has several important implications:

The Reality of the World: The world is not an illusion but a real manifestation of Brahman's power and glory.

The Value of the Individual: Each individual soul is a unique expression of Brahman and has intrinsic value.

The Possibility of Liberation: Because the individual soul is inherently connected to Brahman, liberation is not an artificial imposition but a natural unfolding of the soul's true nature.

The Grace of God

Ramanuja's philosophy places great emphasis on the grace (prasada or kripa) of God as essential for attaining liberation. Ultimately, liberation is a gift from God, freely given out of His infinite love and compassion. The devotee's role is to make themselves receptacles of this grace through sincere devotion, surrender, and ethical conduct.

The Importance of Bhakti

Bhakti, or loving devotion, is the most effective means of cultivating a relationship with God and attaining liberation. This is not a passive emotion but a dynamic engagement with the divine, involving the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.

Ramanuja describes the path of Bhakti as a process of "remembering, meditating, and loving" the Supreme. This involves cultivating an intense love for God, a love that surpasses all other attachments and desires. Such love naturally leads to a longing for union with the beloved, which is ultimately fulfilled through God's grace.

Bhakti is not separate from knowledge (Jnana) or action (Karma). True knowledge of Brahman's nature and attributes leads to an intensification of love, and this love, in turn, inspires selfless action performed as an offering to God.

Conclusion

Ramanuja's interpretation of Vedanta, as presented in his Gitabhashya and Vedarthasangraha, offers a profound and inspiring vision of reality and the human potential for spiritual growth. By emphasizing the reality of the world, the distinct yet inseparable nature of the individual soul, the importance of selfless action, and the transformative power of devotion, Ramanuja presents a path that is both intellectually satisfying and practically relevant.

His philosophy is a testament to the enduring power of the Upanishadic message, a message that affirms the ultimate unity of all existence in Brahman, the boundless ocean of being, consciousness, and bliss. It is a philosophy that celebrates the beauty and wonder of creation, the inherent dignity of the individual soul, and the supreme importance of love and devotion in the quest for ultimate liberation. Through his insightful interpretations and systematization, Ramanuja re-established the ancient Vedantic path of Bhakti, making it accessible to generations of seekers and ensuring its continued relevance in the modern world. This path, ultimately, is a journey back to our true home, the heart of Brahman, where we discover our own true selves as eternal parts of the divine reality, forever united in love and bliss.

Works

• Vedarthasangraha - Summary of the Meaning of the Vedas
• Sribhashya - The Glorious Commentary [on the Brahma-Sutras]
• Vedanta Sara - Essence of Vedanta
• Vedanta Dipa - Light on Vedanta
• Gitabhashya - Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita
• Gadya Trayam - Prose poems of Surrender
  • Saranagati Gadya - The Large Poem of Surrender
  • Sriranga Gadya - The Smaller Poem of Surrender to Lord Ranganatha
  • Vaikuntha Gadya - The Poem of Contemplation on Vaikuntha
• Nitya - A Manual of Daily Worship

Other

• Image of Sri Ramanuja at Srirangam

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Ramanuja Acharyas