Studies
in the Vishistadwaita Philosophy
N. C. Ramanujachary
N. C. Ramanujachary
Front cover of the 1985
edition
Foreword to the 2014 Online Edition:
Vishistadwaita is a definite
branch of the Indian system of Philosophical Thought, where the marked
distinction is that the “Individual soul” though absorbed in the “Universal
Soul”, ultimately maintains its own Identity and thus Lives in the
Absolute as a NITYA SURI (Eternal Solar-being).
The Divinity is the Source of all
manifestation and the Supreme Power is anthropomorphized for purposes of easier
comprehension and idealization of the devotees. One is supposed to travel from
the “Idol” to the “Idea” and the “Ideal”.
Devotion is the direct Path to obtain
Immortality. “The Grace of Divinity” is causeless and freely flows over the
Universes for the enjoyment of the living-beings (sentient and non-sentient)
and a devotee needs to draw that grace by his own merit and endeavor.
The Philosophy was popularized by Sri
Ramanujacharya (1017-1137 AD), who wrote commentaries to the Brahma-Sutras,
Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita. His Commentary is renowned as SRIBHASHYA. He
was in favor of a Social Order devoid of caste, color and race; only unfettered
devotion to the Supreme Lord to be the “talisman” for Life and Living.
The text is intended for those who need to be
familiarized with the basic concepts of this philosophy and so is divided into
three sections: “The Essential Teachings”,
“Five Bases for Wisdom”, and “A Code of Human Conduct”.
The place given to the Teacher (Preceptor) in
this system is identical to what is said as the steps in the Golden Stairs “A
Loyal Sense of Duty to the Teacher” and “Once we have placed our
confidence in and believe the Teacher in possession of it”. The place given to the
co-disciple is a significant factor in Universal Brotherhood of Humanity. The
Parallels and Dis-similarities with Theosophical philosophy are dealt with in
my other book “The Human and The Divine”. [1]
I am rejoiced that “The Aquarian Theosophist” and its associated websites are publishing
this slim book online for the benefit of those who have an interest in
Comparative Religion and Culture.
Dr. N. C. Ramanujachary
Chennai, India, 24 February 2014.
NOTE:
[1] The volume “The Human and the Divine”, by N. C. Ramanujachary, is also
available in our associated websites.
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On the role of the esoteric movement in the
ethical awakening of mankind during the 21st century, see the book “The Fire and Light of Theosophical Literature”, by
Carlos Cardoso Aveline.
Published in
2013 by The Aquarian Theosophist,
the volume has 255 pages and can be obtained through Amazon Books.
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