GITA 12.15

GITA 12.15

Srisailesa dayapatram deepaktyadi gunarnavam |

Yatindra pravanam vande ramyajamataram munim ||

This sloka was presented by the Lord Sri Ranganatha Himself, in praise of Vishadavak Sikhamani Swami Manavala Mamuni. As already mentioned, Swami Manavala Mamunigal is considered as the last Acharya in Sri Vaishnava Guru parampara. He was a sanyasi. Swami Nampillai made a wonderful commentary on Nammalwar's Tiruvaimozhi. It is known as 'Eedu [ஈடு]'. Swami Manavala Mamunigal lectured on Eedu for one year in Srirangam in the sannidhi of Sri Ranganatha. The Lord listened to this lecture and regarded Swami Manavala Mamunigal as His Acharya; and, in token of gratitude, He presented this sloka. The sloka mentions Srisailesa, Swami Tiruvaimozhipillai, who was the Acharya of Swami Manavala Mamunigal. It further says that Swami Manavala Mamunigal received the grace of his teacher, and he was the repository of qualities like gyana, bhakti, etc.; and, he was deeply devoted to Yatindra [Swami Ramanuja]. Swami Manavala Mamunigal is considered as re-incarnation of Swami Ramanuja - both are the incarnation of Adisesha.

SWAMI MANAVALA MAMUNIGAL

 Swami Manavala Mamunigal visited Sriperumbudur and worshipped Swami Ramanuja here. He remained here for some time, during which, he taught Sri Bhashyam - commentary on Brahma sootram, by Swami Ramanuja - to his disciples and made them to appreciate the precious contents. Today's [31st December 2008] lecture is from the place, inside the sannidhi of Sri Adi Kesava Perumal, where he taught Sri Bhashyam. Just above this place is a picture depicting Swami Manavala Mamunigal lecturing his many disciples and the Lord in the guise of a Young Boy, attentively listening!

SRISHAILES DAYAPATRAM PICTURE

 Like Swami Ramanuja, Swami Manavala Mamunigal also was interested in writing commentaries, rather than composing originals. Swami Manavala Mamunigal wrote commentaries on the works of Swami Pillai Lokacharya. Like Swami Ramanuja, he also never hurt others' feelings. Even when refuting others' arguments, both deployed very descent words. He never displayed an ego or authority and lived a very humble and simple life. Swami Manavala Mamunigal presented Two works on Swami Ramanuja: Yatiraja vimsati in Sanskrit, consisting of Twenty slokas; and, Arthi prabhandam [ஆர்த்தி பிரபந்தம்] in Tamil. Arthi means passion or interest, in reaching moksham. In Yatiraja vimsati, he says that though he was unfit to place his head at the feet of Swami Ramanuja, he clung at his feet as Swami Ramanuja was connected with Nammalwar and then to the Lord. He says that whoever fell at the feet of Swami Ramanuja, were devoid of kama, krodha and such bad qualities and became eligible to develop all the good qualities Sri Krishna has been advising Arjuna in Chapter 12. Therefore, we also have to come to Sriperumbudur and worship Swami Ramanuja, so that all our bad habits are destroyed and develop good ones. Just like we remove weeds so that cultivation of crops improve, we have to first destroy our bad habits. As we go round the temple we find on one side Alwars' sannidhi and on another side Sri Andal's sannidhi.

 We will now see sloka 17 of Chapter 12. Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna the good habits we have to cultivate. Sloka 17:

yo na hrsyati na dvesti
na socati na kanksati
subhasubha-parityagi
bhaktiman yah sa me priyah

"One who neither rejoices nor grieves, who neither laments nor desires, and who renounces both auspicious and inauspicious things—such a devotee is very dear to Me."

Sri Krishna mentions some more qualities, which make His devotee dear to Him. Yo = who, na hrsyati = is not rejoicing, na dvesti = is not hating, na socati = is not sorrowing, na kanksati = is not expecting or desireless. These are Four qualities - never rejoice, never hate, never brood and never expect anything. Subha = good deeds or punya, asubha = bad deeds or papa, parityagi = abandoned, bhaktiman = devotee, is dear to Him. Such a person is Karma-yogi. He has renounced good and bad deeds. Are these practical? We have to qualify all these with some more words. We will see with proper interpretations:

1. Never happy means not rejoicing just because we received something pleasing to us. Is it not natural? What Sri Krishna tells is that if we are to rejoice for something pleasing to us, we must be prepared to grieve if we do not get that. What is wrong with that? Then, our time will be spent only on this rejoice and grief. Where is the time for devotion to the Lord? There will not be time to ponder over atman or the Lord. If we avoid worldly pleasures and sorrows, then we can find time for our atman and the Lord. We can rejoice if we are able to have His grace; otherwise feel sorry. The Worldly pleasures are transient and the pleasure lasts for a very small time. So, we should not rejoice for worldly pleasures and take them in stride.
2. Never hating means not hating others just because we did not get what we desired.

Swami Ramanuja in his life has never hated anyone. Great people [மகான் महान] have suffered in many ways. Just because they were great people, we can not say that they never experienced hardships. They are regarded as great people because they never brooded over when they suffered nor they hated the perpetrators. They did not rejoice and danced when happy events were encountered. When Swami Ramanuja brought in certain reforms, some tried to kill him by poisoning. That never discouraged Swami Ramanuja and he continued with his reforms. He deployed Swami Kidambi Acchan [கிடாம்பி ஆச்சான்] and avoided recurrence. Similarly, his teacher Swami Yadavaprakasa tried to finish him and he escaped. But he never showed any hatred for his erstwhile teacher. A King tried to harm him and he escaped to Melkote near Mysore. He remained there for many years. Yet, never Swami Ramanuja hated him or prayed for King's death. Thus great people do not care about any harm done to them. Of course, if their disciples are harmed, they grieve.
3. Never grieving, means not brooding over any loss or injury.
4. Never expects means, they do not do anything with any expectation.
5. Subhaasubha parityagi means that they do not do any good deed to get Punya or for some pleasure. They never indulge in such acts to prevent the occurrence of grief. They do all acts as they are mandates of shastras or they do not do some acts, as they are forbidden in shastras.
These are the characteristics of a Karma-yogi and such person is dear to the Lord.

                                                                                                       (continued)               

GITA 12.14

GITA 12.14

UTSAVAR SRI ADIKESAVA PERUMAL WITH UBHAYA NACCHIYAR

We are at the entrance to Sri Perumal sannidhi. Pillars of the mandapam are carved with sculptures. We can see many dancers and musicians in the sculptures. On one side of the Mandapam, the Lord Sri Adi Kesava Perumal is gracing with His Ubhaya Nacchiyars. With the blessings of Sri Kesava Perumal, Swami Ramanuja was born here. The Lord here gave the World, Swami Ramanuja. Let us see why this place got this name and how the Lord arrived here. This place is called Sriperumbudur or Bhutapuri. This place was built by Bhuta Ganas [group of Bhuta பூத கணங்கள்] and so it got the name. These Bhutas were the servants of lord Shiva. Once when lord Shiva was dancing, for some reason the Bhutas giggled, making lord Shiva angry and curse them. To absolve from the curse, they prayed to the Lord, Who asked them to come to this place and meditate after bathing in Anantasaras pond. Bhutas did accordingly. Pleased with their behaviour, the Lord asked lord Shiva to come to this place and pardon his Bhuta ganas. Lord Shiva pardoned them and accepted them in his troupe. The Lord was later requested by all, to grace in this place and so He appeared as Sri Kesava here. Since Sri Thayar also graces here, this place is called Sriperumbudur. Singing the name of Sri Kesava, all our sins are washed away, says Nammalwar in the Tenth Century of Tiruvaimozhi (10.2.1). Even if we chant the name Sri Kesava once, we will not have to visit hell. It seems lord Yama says that by not even chanting once the Divine name Sri Kesava, which would hardly take a second to utter, one wastes one's entire life. When this lecture was recorded it was Vana bhojanam [வன போஜனம், lunch in the forest, something like picnic!] day and so the Lord was in a relaxed appearance without the crown but with a different hair-style! [savarik kondai சவரிக் கொண்டை].

THE LORD IN PROCESSION FOR VANA-BHOJANAM

The Lord arrives at a garden and after Tirumanjanam (Holy Bath), He graces all offerings and returns in the evening. The Abhaya mudra in His right hand appears to tell that we need have no fears as Swami Ramanuja had arrived to redeem all! The Left hand is beckoning all to arrive at Sriperumbudur, to worship His favourite devotee Swami Ramanuja! Moksham is sure to all those who are connected with Swami Ramanuja. This is stated by the Lord in Srirangam, Tirumala and Kanchipuram. Whoever is recommended by Swami Ramanuja, Moksham is certain. In this World, by uttering the name Ramanuja, one gets all comforts like wealth, health and knowledge. Not merely that, after death, the Lord accepts them in Vaikuntam to give them the eternal bliss. Once a milkmaid was supplying milk to Sri Ramanuja mutt when Swami Ramanuja was alive. After supplying for about a month, the mutt managers wanted to compensate her for the services. But she refused to take, instead demanded a letter of recommendation from Swami Ramanuja, which she would show at Tirumala to the Lord and go to Vaikuntam! Such was his fame. In this Mandapam, on one side we see Sri Adi Kesava Perumal sannidhi. We also see the sannidhi of Swami Ramanuja. We also see the sannidhi of Swami Tirukkacchi Nambi [திருக்கச்சி நம்பிகள்] and Swami Nampillai [நம்பிள்ளை]. Then we see Swami Alavandar sannidhi. We also see the sannidhi of Swami Vedantacharya [Desika]. In Yatiraja saptati, Swami Vedanta Desika says that Swami Ramanuja is like the precious pendant in the middle of a jewel necklace.

SRI RAMANUJA AS THE CENTRAL PENDANT

 On one side are Acharyas before him starting from the Lord and on the other side Acharyas after him. He is the centre-piece! Thus both the sides are drawing fame from Swami Ramanuja.

 Now we will see sloka 16:

anapeksah sucir daksha
 udasino gata-vyathah
sarvarambha-parityagi
yo mad-bhaktah sa me priyah

"My devotee who is not dependent on the ordinary course of activities, who is pure, expert, without cares, free from all pains, and not striving for some result, is very dear to Me."

We would have noticed a feature in these slokas; that in each sloka the Lord says 'sa me priyah' - 'he is dear to Me [Sri Krishna]'. That should induce us to do what the Lord desires. Anapeksa = [excepting atman] desires or needs nothing, suci = pure [in food]. To have the atman pure, our body, and so our food habits should be pure. We can not take every type of food and expect the body and atman to be pure. A Karma-yogi will have strict control over the food he takes. Daksa = skilled [in following shastras], udasina = indifferent [to all not recommended by shastras], gata = tolerate, vyata = sufferings [in following shastras permitted activities]. For example, shastras say that on Ekadasi day to fast. One should tolerate that suffering by starving on Ekadasi. There are many having untold miseries. The Lord also does not ask people to suffer very much; just a fasting once in a fortnight, etc. The Lord expects our sincerity and earnestness to follow His advice. The Lord only grants us the skill and capacity to follow shastras, as well as to tolerate any sufferings, thereon. Sarvarambha = starting of all, parityagi = discarded. Whatever is not mentioned or barred by shastras, he never even begins to follow. We need not start what is not recommended by shastras. We can list out our daily activities and see which are acceptable or recommended by shastras. We should examine every action of ours, as to whether they are as per Vedas or are they doing good to atman. If we get a positive 'yes' as the answer, we could follow them. We should ensure at least some, nay, at least one, to be in agreement with shastras. In Tiruvaimozhi, while praising the Lord of Tirumaliruncholai, Nammalwar says that there was no use in saying one did so many activities; but were any of them useful? many of our mannerisms are like that. Even while waiting at a place, it would be useful to reflect the Divine images of the Lord or chant His Divine names; instead of chit-chatting with others. Such a devotee is dear to the Lord. The list of qualities here mentioned are:

1. Control of food taken.
2. No desire in matters other than atman.
3. Capacity to follow activities recommended by shastras.
4. Disinterest in activities not mentioned by shastras.
5. Endure any sufferings arising out of following shastras.
6. Never begin any action not recommended by shastras.

A person with such qualities is liked by the Lord. Swami Ramanuja in his life followed these and we will examine them in the ensuing lectures.

                                                                                                       (continued)

GITA 12.13

GITA 12.13

SRIPERUMBUDUR MAIN GOPURAM AND DWAJASTHAMBAM

In Ramanuja Nootrandadi [இராமுனுச நூற்றந்தாதி], Swami Tiruvarangathamudanar [திருவரங்கத்து அமுதனார்], repeats the name of Swami Ramanuja in all pasurams and praises him. In that name 'Ra', 'ma' 'nu' and 'ja' - Four letters [as in Sanskrit] are there; similarly, in the Lord's name 'Narayana', Four letters are there. Our elders asked a question as between these Two Four lettered names, which was more useful to us? Only Ramanuja name will be beneficial to us, they say. Though the Lord's name Narayana is beneficial, commentators say that all had a complaint against Him. Though we are all born as per our past Karma, the Lord, if He so desired, could have redeemed us and made us avoid birth and enjoy eternal bliss; but He is allowing us to be born and suffer. That is He is responsible for our sufferings and He is also responsible for our redemption, if we surrender unto Him. But Swami Ramanuja, toiled to get us Moksham alone. He is not responsible for our sufferings in samsaram. Thus the name Ramanuja will yield only benefits and so it is superior to the name of the Lord! The Lord helps those who qualify to reach Him; while Swami Ramanuja has paved the way for all to reach Moksham! Without any qualification for Moksham, by sheer surrender to Swami Ramanuja, we are sure of Moksham! Thus Swami Ramanuja is an embodiment of mercy and compassion. This is what the author says in Ramanuja Nootrandadi. It is no wonder, therefore, that Thousands of devotees come to Sriperumbudur, every Tiruvadirai star! They witness the Tirumanjanam of the great Acharya. The splendour of it can be felt only by a visit to Sriperumbudur.

TIRUMANJANAM

 We will now enter the temple and see the tall Dwajasthambam. In Krta yug, the Lord was served by Adisesha, the leader of serpents. As in the pasuram 'senral kudaiyam.. [சென்றால் குடையாம், இருந்தால் சிங்காசனமாம் ...]', Adisesha serves the Lord in His various activities: as an umbrella, when the Lord goes out; as a throne, when He is seated; as a pair of sandals, when He is standing and walking; as a bed, when He is reclining; etc. In Treta yug, he served the Lord as Ramanuja, that is the younger brother of Sri Rama - Lakshmana. When the Lord was in exile in forests for Fourteen years, the Lord and Sri Sita slept, but Lakshmana was always vigil and served without a wink of sleep! In Dwapara yug, he served the Lord as Balarama. In Kali yug, Adisesha was born as Swami Ramanuja. His original name, christened by his parents, was Ilayazhvar [இளையாழ்வார்]. Unlike the Lord, Who had a dark complexion like the rain-bearing cloud, Swami Ramanuja was very fair.

 In Chapter 12, the Lord has mentioned the many desirable qualities for His devotee, and it appears each one of such qualities, was exhibited by Adisesha in his many incarnations. We have to see sloka 15 of Chapter 12:

yasman nodvijate loko
lokan nodvijate ca yah
harsamarsa-bhayodvegair
mukto yah sa ca me priyah

"He for whom no one is put into difficulty and who is not disturbed by anyone, who is equipoised in happiness and distress, fear and anxiety, is very dear to Me."

Yasman = at whom, loko = the World, na advijate = is not afraid. The Lord says that He likes that person, of whom, the World is not afraid. His activities threaten none. It is not that a son is not afraid of his father, but a total stranger he is and he causes no fear in anybody. People are scared of certain persons, as they might harm them. The devotee of the Lord is liked by everyone and his activities enthuse others. Lokan = at the World, na advijate ca = also not afraid. The Lord likes that person, who is not afraid of the World. Because this person, the Lord's devotee, pleases the World. He is also not afraid of the World, or to put it in other words, the World does not do anything to scare him. If we do harm to others, then others scheme to take revenge and so we are scared of others. These Two qualities - we like the world and the world likes us - have to be developed. Our talks and deeds should be friendly and helpful. We should never harm others with our words or by actions. A Karma-yogi will desire peace only. We are afraid of the world if we are greedy or commit undesirable acts. By greed, we might have amassed wealth. Then we try to preserve them by illegal methods. All these will make us afraid of the World. Either we are not greedy or if we have accumulated wealth legally, we should distribute and lessen our burden, which will keep us in peace and happiness. We should be greedy in acquiring knowledge, Bhakti and other superior qualities. No one would ever steal them away. We have to amass those which would not cause us worries. Harsa = happiness, amarsa = sorrow, or anger out of sorrow, bhaya = fear, udvega= any such urges, mukto yah = whoever is free from. This person, whom the Lord likes, does not jump with happiness nor brood in a corner or shouts in anger and is not in fear. When we are to get a huge wealth we feel happy; and feel sorry or angry, if that is halted or delayed; also we are in fear in anticipating, etc. Sa me priya = he is liked by Me [SriKrishna]. A person without these qualities is liked by the Lord. Swami Ramanuja lived like that. He was a leader among sanyasins - Yatiraja. Without likes and dislikes, he redeemed everyone.

                                                                                                               (continued)

GITA 12.12

GITA 12.12

Swami Ramanuja occupies a very important place in the Srivaishnava Guru parampara [heirarchy of Acharyas]. Called Jagadacharya, the Swami Ramanuja's sannidhi is just opposite the main entrance.

SWAMI RAMANUJA AVATARA SANNIDHI

 There is a large avatar mandapam. Here, Swami Ramanuja was born some 1000 years back. His year of birth is 1017, corresponding to Tamil year Pingala, Chitthirai, Shukla Panchami, on a Thursday in the star Tiruvadirai [பிங்கள, சித்திரை, சுக்ல பஞ்சமி, வியாழக் கிழமை corresponding to 10th April 1017 at 2.00 P.M.]. His parents were Asoori Kesava Somayajiyar [ஆசூரி கேசவ சொமயாஜியார்] and Kanthimati Ammangar [காந்திமதி அம்மங்கார்]. His parents, before the birth of Swami Ramanuja, visited Sri Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane, Chennai, and prayed for a child like the Lord. Since there is none like Him, He Himself was born to them as Swami Ramanuja! The Sun drives away the darkness outside us; but the darkness of ignorance in us, can not that easily be eliminated. To eliminate this inside darkness, Swami Ramanuja appeared as Divakara [Sun] and spread Bhakti in Him. We are in that sacred place, where he was born. Inside the temple, we can see many sculptures, as reliefs on walls. We can see Sri Adikesava Perumal prominently among them.

 On one side we can see the sculptures of all Alwars. On another side, we can see the large sculpture of Swami Ramanuja, with a saffron robe and holding Tridanda [த்ரிதண்டம்]. On his sides, we can see Swami Koorattalwan and Swami Mudaliyandan. We can also note the 74 Simhasanadhipatis, who were appointed by Swami Ramanuja to spread the philosophy and perform Pancha Samskara [पंचसंस्कार] to all devotees. All the pillars in the mandapam are sculpted beautifully. We can see the Lord as Sri Matsya, Sri Koorma, Sri Varaha and Sri Narasimha. We can see the sculpture in which Arjuna very submissively listens to Sri Krishna, Who is preaching Gita.

SRI KRISHNA PREACHING ARJUNA

 An ancient picture of Swami Ramanuja can be seen.

ANCIENT PICTURE OF SRI RAMANUJA

 In Ramanuja nootrandadi (இராமானுச நூற்றந்தாதி), Swami Thiruvarangathamudhanar [திருவரங்கத்து அமுதனார்] says in the verse 'man misai yonigal thorum pirandu..மண் மிசை யோனிகள் தோறும் பிறந்து.. ', that Swami Ramanuja alone could correct the people, who could not be corrected by the Lord in spite of many Avatars! Swami Manavala Mamunigal says that one might forget the birthdays of the Avatars of the Lord or even of Alwars, but never one should forget Swami Ramanuja's birthday! Tiruvadirai is known in Sanskrit as Ardra, which also means wet. Swami Ramanuja also exhibited that 'wet' or merciful heart [ஈர நெஞ்சம்] to all. He had the compassion that all should be redeemed.

 It is difficult to say whether Swami Ramanuja lived as preached in Gita or the Lord preached in Gita, Swami Ramanuja's qualities. Sri Krishna lists some more good habits we have to cultivate in us, in sloka 14:

santustah satatam yogi

yatatma drdha-niscayah

mayy arpita-mano-buddhir

yo mad-bhaktah sa me priyah

"Always satisfied, self-controlled, and engaged in devotional service with determination, his mind and intelligence fixed on Me—such a devotee of Mine is very dear to Me." 

The Lord says His bhakta is very dear to Him. We should aspire for this privilege! If Sri Krishna appears before us and says that we were His dear ones, what else we have to achieve? This is what the Lord says in 'yo mad-bhaktah sa me priyah'. We may like to be the favourite of the Lord; then, we should know what efforts we have to take to be included in that favourite list. But all obstacles are seen in our efforts. This desire can be achieved if we have the determination. We should not misunderstand this as mad [வெறி] but determination [உறுதி]. We will list the desired qualities: (continued from the last list)
8. Santushta = contented [not to be misunderstood as happy]. We have to be satisfied with what the Lord has bestowed on us.
9. satatam =always, yogi = meditating about atman.
10. Yatatma = well-controlled mind. The controlled mind will give satisfaction and satisfaction will control the mind. Thinking about atman, will pacify and control the mind. Once the mind is controlled all thoughts will be after atman. Thus all these three are interrelated.
11. Drda nischaya = determined belief or confidence. We have to firmly believe that it is because of His grace that we have this life and facilities. The Lord is our goal and we have to attain Him only. This firm belief should never be changed in any circumstance.
12. Mayy = in Me [Sri Krishna], arpita = entrusted, mano-buddhi = mind and intellect. That is we have to regard every action of ours as devoted to Him. We have to do every work dedicated to Him. In such actions, both mind and intellect have to be entrusted. The mind is an instrument to think; while buddhi is dharma bhuta gyana. Our intellect is buddhi, and with its help, we use the mind to think. Thus both the mind and the thought propelling intellect, have to be dedicated to the Lord.

Such a Bhakta is the favourite of the Lord or he is liked by the Lord. Swami Ramanuja tells whom the Lord likes. We have to be liked by Him, by practically following the qualities listed in the Seven slokas. To get that liking we have to sincerely do the prescribed duties for us and do them with the attitude that the Lord Himself is doing and dedicate the results to Him. That will make us endearing to the Lord. To cultivate these, we have to be content with what we have and never be greedy; we should never be complaining about our health or wealth, but be happy with what we have. No doubt, there will be scope for improvement in all our activities. These should not be in amassing wealth, but in Bhakti in Him. Normally, rich people never get contentment in life; poor are satisfied with what they have. Swami Ramanuja stands tall to be emulated by us. He wrote many works, so that the true meaning of Vedas and Upanishads are explained to the World. We are at present in his birthplace, Sriperumbudur. Today's [26th December 2008] lecture is from the mandapam at the place where he was born. We enter the temple from the sannidhi street. We can see the gopuram and mandapam. 

                                                                                                     (continued)