The Life and Legacy of Ramanuja: A Comprehensive Account

 

The Life and Legacy of Ramanuja: A Comprehensive Account

Ramanuja, revered as the greatest Philosoper of the Vedic Lineage, lived from 1017 to 1137 CE. He was a key figure in the Vishishtadvaita philosophy and made significant contributions to religious reform and the Bhakti movement.

Early Life

Born in Sriperumbudur in 1017 A.C., Ramanuja (also known as Udayavar) was the only child of Asuri Kesava Dikshita, a learned Yajur Vedi Brahmana of the Harita clan, and his wife Kantimati. Kantimati was the sister of Sri Saila-Purna (Tirumalai Nambi), a disciple of Yamunacharya. Kesava Dikshita was known as Sarvakratu, meaning "the performer of all Vedic sacrifices". Ramanuja's birth is recorded by a chronogram indicating Saka 939 (1017 A.C.).

After his father's death, the family moved to Kanchi to facilitate Ramanuja's higher education. He studied Sanskrit and the Vedas under his father and was keen to study Vedanta philosophy. In Kanchi, he became a disciple of Yadava-Prakasa, a renowned scholar of Vedanta.

Philosophical Contributions

Ramanuja's philosophical contributions are rooted in Vishishtadvaita, a qualified non-dualism. This philosophy emphasizes the oneness of all with Brahman, while also acknowledging the distinct existence of individual souls (jivatmas) and matter (prakriti).

Key aspects of Ramanuja's philosophy:

• Critique of Advaita Vedanta: Ramanuja challenged the Advaita Vedanta of Sankaracharya, which posits the absolute oneness of Brahman and the illusionary nature of the world. Ramanuja argued that this view negates the reality of the individual soul and the world, undermining the basis for devotion and moral action.
• Emphasis on a Personal God: Ramanuja was a manifestation of love and devotion to a Personal God. He highlighted that everything in Samsara is inter-penetrated by Brahman.
• Sri-Bhashya: Ramanuja's most important work is the Sri-Bhashya, a commentary on the Vedanta-sutras of Badarayana. In writing it, Kuresa acted as his amanuensis, ensuring it was faithful to Bodhayana's ideas.
• Other Works: Besides Sri-Bhashya, Ramanuja produced nine other works, including Vedanta-sangraha, Vedanta-sara, Vedanta-dipa, and Gita-bhashya. He also composed three works embodying the principles and practices of the Vaishnava faith which were the Gadya-traya (The Three Proses), the Daily Worship-Manual called the Nitya Grantham, and the Commentaries on the Bhagavad-Gita.

Religious Reforms

Ramanuja's religious reforms aimed at making devotion accessible to all, regardless of caste or social status.

Key reforms and contributions:

• Inclusivity: Ramanuja opposed the rigid caste system and welcomed people from all backgrounds into the Vaishnava fold. He justified his actions by stating that Kanchi-purna's mature devotion to the Lord was far superior to high birth and learning.
• Temple Entry: Ramanuja fought for the rights of lower castes to enter temples and participate in religious rituals.
• Popularization of Vaishnavism: Ramanuja popularized the Tamil Veda and converted large numbers of people to Vaishnavism.

Role in the Bhakti Movement

Ramanuja is considered a central figure in the Bhakti movement, which emphasized love and devotion as the primary means of attaining salvation.

Contributions to the Bhakti Movement:

• Emphasis on Devotion: Ramanuja highlighted the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a path to liberation.
• Synthesis of Vedanta and Bhakti: Ramanuja integrated the philosophical insights of Vedanta with the emotional fervor of bhakti, creating a comprehensive spiritual path.
• Inspiration to Bhakti Saints: Ramanuja's teachings inspired a galaxy of Bhakti saints who spread the message of love and devotion throughout India.

Challenges

Ramanuja faced several challenges during his life:

• Doctrinal Differences: Ramanuja's interpretations of Vedanta differed from those of his guru, Yadava-Prakasa, leading to conflicts and eventual separation.
• Opposition from Orthodox Elements: His inclusive approach to religion faced resistance from orthodox sections of society who were unwilling to accept people from lower castes into the Vaishnava community.
• Persecution: Ramanuja faced persecution from some rulers who opposed his teachings. He had to leave Srirangam due to the persecutions of a Chola king.

Legacy

Ramanuja's legacy continues to influence Indian philosophy, religion, and culture.

Key aspects of his legacy:

• Vishishtadvaita Philosophy: His Vishishtadvaita philosophy remains one of the major schools of Vedanta.
• Vaishnavism: Ramanuja's teachings are central to the Sri Vaishnava tradition, which has a large following in South India and beyond.
• Social Reform: His efforts to promote inclusivity and social justice continue to inspire reform movements.
• Literary Contributions: Ramanuja's writings, especially the Sri-Bhashya, are studied by scholars and practitioners of Vedanta.
• Disciples: Ramanuja's mission was entrusted to his five principle disciples. His monastery at Srirangam came to be inhabited by seventy-four disciples. Today there are over 700 Srivaishnava monasteries in all parts of India.

Notable Anecdotes

• Conflict with Yadava-Prakasa: One day Ramanuja was giving Yadava an oil massage while he expounded a passage from Chandogya Upanishad. All the students except Ramanuja were impressed with the eloquence and logic of his interpretation, but Ramanuja felt compelled to give his own explanation.
• Meeting with Kanchi-purna: Ramanuja justified his act of associating with Kanchi-purna on the ground that Kanchi-purna's mature devotion to the Lord was far superior to high birth and learning. Thereupon Kanchi-purna instructed him to carry every day a vessel full of water from a neighboring well for the service of Varadaraja.
• Debate with Yajna-murti: During his morning devotions Ramanuja went into a state of divine consciousness. Upon seeing his divine refulgence Yajna-murti realized the emptiness of his sophistry, he readily admitted defeat and became a Vaishnava and a disciple of Ramanuja.

Ramanuja's life and teachings have left an indelible mark on the spiritual and intellectual landscape of India, and his legacy continues to inspire generations.