Ramanuja
Early Life and Background
Ramanuja, also known as Ramanujacharya, was a prominent Indian philosopher, theologian, and one of the most important exponents of the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) school of Vedanta. Born in 1017 CE in the village of Sriperumbudur, near modern-day Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Ramanuja's early life was marked by a deep engagement with Vedic texts and rituals. His family belonged to the Brahmin caste, and his father, Keshava Somayaji, was a devout follower of the Vaishnavite tradition.
Education and Early Influences
Ramanuja's formal education began under the tutelage of Yadava Prakasha, a scholar of the Advaita Vedanta school. However, philosophical differences soon emerged between the teacher and the student. Yadava Prakasha adhered to the non-dualistic philosophy of Adi Shankara, which posits that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is without attributes and that the individual soul (Atman) is identical to Brahman. Ramanuja, on the other hand, believed in a more personal and qualified interpretation of Brahman, which led to a rift between them.
Ramanuja's divergence from Advaita Vedanta was further influenced by his interactions with Kanchipurna, a devotee of the deity Varadaraja Perumal at Kanchipuram. Kanchipurna's devotion and personal relationship with the deity left a lasting impression on Ramanuja, steering him towards a more theistic and devotional approach to Vedanta.
Development of Vishishtadvaita Philosophy
Ramanuja's philosophical system, Vishishtadvaita, is a synthesis of the theistic elements of the Bhakti movement and the metaphysical framework of Vedanta. Vishishtadvaita posits that while Brahman is the ultimate reality, it possesses attributes (Visheshanas) and is inseparably associated with the individual souls and the material universe. This relationship is often described using the analogy of the body and the soul, where the individual souls and the material world are the body, and Brahman is the soul.
Key Concepts
- **Brahman**: In Vishishtadvaita, Brahman is both the material and efficient cause of the universe. It is characterized by infinite auspicious qualities and is identified with Narayana or Vishnu.
- **Jiva (Individual Soul)**: The individual soul is distinct yet inseparably connected to Brahman. It is eternal and undergoes cycles of birth and rebirth until it attains liberation (Moksha).
- **Maya**: Unlike Advaita, where Maya is an illusion, in Vishishtadvaita, Maya is the real but dependent power of Brahman that manifests the material world.
- **Moksha**: Liberation is achieved through Bhakti (devotion) and Prapatti (surrender) to Vishnu. In this state, the soul enjoys eternal bliss in the presence of Brahman.
Major Works
Ramanuja's contributions to Vedanta are encapsulated in several seminal texts, which include:
- **Sri Bhashya**: A comprehensive commentary on the Brahma Sutras, where Ramanuja systematically refutes the Advaita interpretations and establishes the principles of Vishishtadvaita.
- **Gita Bhashya**: A commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the path of devotion and the role of divine grace in achieving liberation.
- **Vedartha Sangraha**: A treatise that presents a coherent summary of the Upanishadic teachings from the Vishishtadvaita perspective.
- **Nitya Grantha**: A manual of daily worship and rituals for Vaishnavites.
Social and Religious Reforms
Ramanuja was not only a philosopher but also a social reformer. He advocated for the inclusion of all castes in religious practices and temple worship, challenging the rigid caste hierarchies of his time. His efforts led to the widespread acceptance of the Pancharatra Agama, which allowed for the participation of non-Brahmins in temple rituals.
One of his notable reforms was the initiation of the Tirupati temple rituals, where he introduced the practice of reciting the Divya Prabandham, a collection of Tamil hymns composed by the Alvars, alongside the Vedic chants. This integration of Tamil devotional literature into mainstream worship practices was a significant step towards making religious practices more inclusive.
Legacy and Influence
Ramanuja's influence extends beyond the realm of philosophy and theology. His teachings laid the foundation for the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, which continues to thrive in South India and other parts of the world. The Srivaishnava community regards him as their foremost acharya (teacher), and his life and works are celebrated through various festivals and rituals.
His philosophical ideas also had a profound impact on later thinkers and movements. The Dvaita school of Vedanta, founded by Madhvacharya, and the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, propagated by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, both drew inspiration from Ramanuja's emphasis on devotion and personal relationship with the divine.