SRIVAISHNAVISM- PRAPATTI-SARANAGATI-BHARANYASAM- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

SRIVAISHNAVISM-PRAPATTI-SARANAGATI-BHARANYASAM- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Shri. U.Ve.Narayanan Swami , the erudite Vaishnavite Scholar and Chartered Accountant of Thane, Mumbai very recently shared through WhatsApp his profound thoughts among his learned associates in a concise manner regarding the Ladder to Paramapada in terms of Paramapada Sopana of Sri Vedanta Desika, the greatest Vaishnava Acharya. He asked me to answer the various questions raised by his learned associates in this regard. Accordingly, I have attempted to give very brief answers to them .

Q1. To attain Bhagavan, various upayams like Karma,Jnana,Bhakti Yoga are prescribed. Whether they are to be given up.

A1. Each one chooses the path that is dear to him. But the topmost and the most confidential is specified at the end of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. It is the supreme upaya in comparison to all the other forms. The Supreme Lord says - "Always fix your mind on Me, become My devotee, worship Me, and offer your humble obeisances unto Me. By doing so, you will certainly come to Me; I give you this truthful promise because you are very dearly loved by Me."

सर्वगुह्यतमं भूय: शृणु मे परमं वच: ।
इष्टोऽसि मे दृढमिति ततो वक्ष्यामि ते हितम् ॥
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु ।
मामेवैष्यसि सत्यं ते प्रतिजाने प्रियोऽसि मे ॥
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज |
अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुच: ॥

Q2. Is SARANAGATHI ,PRAPATTI and BHARANYASAM claimed by Srivaishnavas the same?

A2. While the terms Prapatti, Saranagati, and Bharanyasam are often used interchangeably in the Sri Vaishnava tradition to denote total surrender to the Divine, they emphasize different nuances of the act. Saranagati is the broadest term, literally meaning "seeking refuge" . Seeking refuge in God as the only protector. The act of "dropping down" at the Lord's feet. The Principle: It is the central doctrine of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya, emphasizing that the Lord is the only means (Upaya) and the only goal (Upeya). Bharanyasam (or Bhara-Nyasa) focuses on the technical aspect of transferring the "burden" of one's protection to the Lord. The term "Bharanyasam" is frequently used as a specific, separate ritual in the Vadakalai tradition, whereas the Thenkalai tradition typically views the surrender as being inherently accomplished during Samashrayanam (initiation).

Q3.Who has the right to do SARANAGATHI? What are its various components ?

A3: Anyone who desires so with absolute faith in Bhagavan has the right to do SARANAGATHI. The following are its six components :- The firm resolve to do only what is favorable to Bhagavan The rejection of everything that is unfavorable to Bhagavan Absolute faith that "He will surely protect me." Explicitly choosing the Lord as the sole Protector. Handing over the "burden" of your soul's protection and its final salvation to God, acknowledging that you are His property. Absolute humility or the sense of helplessness.

श्रवणं कीर्तनं विष्णोः स्मरणं पादसेवनम् ।
अर्चनं वन्दनं दास्यं सख्यमात्मनिवेदनम् ॥
आनुकूल्यस्य सङ्कल्पः प्रातिकूल्यस्य वर्जनम् ।
रक्षिष्यतीति विश्वासो गोप्तृत्ववरणं तथा ।
आत्मनिक्षेपकार्पण्ये षड्विधा शरणागतिः ॥

Q4. Is it possible then for a layman who struggles to earn and run family to have all these ANGAMS ,then to get Bhagavan or VAIKUNTAM.

A4. It depends on his inclination and intensity. He may evolve over a period of time by constant practice with faith and dedication.

तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु मामनुस्मर युध्य च ।
मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्मामेवैष्यस्यसंशयम् ॥
Q5. What are the qualifications required to do SARANAGATHI? Many upanyasam we hear we have to renounce willingly everything. Is VAIKUNTAM only for Iyengar? What about all other devotees who believes in SARANAGATHI or Krishna ? Are they eligible or not? Iam a malayali. I pray mostly Guruvayurappan. I recite Srimad Bhagavad and Narayaneeyam regularly. But we also pray to Swami saranam. Also chant sadguru saranam.

A5. Intention to do unconditional surrender to Bhagavan is the main qualification. Bhagavan's boundless grace is meant for all beings including humans, animals and birds. Human beings: Sabari, Guha, Ajamila, Kirata, Yavana, Putana Animals : Elephant (Gajendra), Crocodile Birds : Jatayu, Sampati If you consider Bhagavan as the Supreme , you will reach his Paramapada. Else by his grace you will reach the abode of the God that you desire.

ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते तांस्तथैव भजाम्यहम् ।
मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः ॥
यान्ति देवव्रता देवान्पितॄन्यान्ति पितृव्रता: ।
भूतानि यान्ति भूतेज्या यान्ति मद्याजिनोऽपि माम् ॥
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जना: पर्युपासते ।
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ॥
हरेर्नाम हरेर्नाम हरेर्नामैव केवलम् ।
कलौ नास्त्येव नास्त्येव नास्त्येव गतिरन्यथा ॥

Q6. Whether Srivaishnavas alone can worship Paduka which is revered as Swami Nammalvar?

A6. Worshiping the Guru Paduka and getting tirtham are there for a very long time in other sampradayas as well. The Shri Guru Paduka Stotram was composed by Adi Shankaracharya as a direct tribute to the sandals (Padukas) of his own spiritual master, Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada.

अनन्तसंसारसमुद्रतारापोतायिताभ्यां गुरुभक्तिदाभ्याम् ।
वैराग्यसाम्राज्यदपूजनाभ्यां नमो नमः श्रीगुरुपादुकाभ्याम् ॥

Q6. You are writing that one can get BAGHWAN KRUPAI only with his ANUGRAHAM. BAGHWAN requires only our ANJALI and don't look at our VARNAM,our charity or donation to temples. Are these acts not necessary or compulsory?? A6. Acts of sacrifice (Yajna), charity (Dana), and penance (Tapah) are not to be given up; they must be performed. Indeed, sacrifice, charity, and penance are purifying even for the great souls.

यज्ञदानतप:कर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत् । यज्ञो दानं तपश्चैव पावनानि मनीषिणाम् ॥ Q7. What is the easiest upayam other than SARANAGATHI,as we cannot follow all that 6 ANGAMS mentioned in your topic as per your Swami Desikan. To get the Krupa of Bhagavan what is the easy way. A7. Just chant the divne Mahamantra with pure devotion . It will guide you on the right path over a period of time हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे ।
हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे ॥
हरेर्नाम हरेर्नाम हरेर्नामैव केवलम् ।
कलौ नास्त्येव नास्त्येव नास्त्येव गतिरन्यथा ॥

Q8. I have done Bharanyasam. So I have automatic entry to vaikuntam. No need to bother about anything else. Can I live as per my wish after doing Bharanyasam?

A8. While Bharanyasam inspires one to tread the path towards Vaikuntha, the ultimate authority to bestow is Bhagavan. Acharyas have asserted that if one follows the righteous path after Bhafranyasam, he will be blessed by the Supreme. But if one considers it as a right and a mere religious formality, it may not yield the intended result of reaching Paramapada.

न वित्तेन न वाऽभ्यर्च्यः न दानेन न चेज्यया ।
भक्त्या तुष्यति गोविन्दः भावग्राह्यो जनार्दनः ॥

Q9: Generally we follow samanya dharma as far as possible . We try to be truthful and act kind towards others. Though we live with VISWASA , the moment we face hardships it gets challenged. When our children get hospitalized, we get panic and run after doctors and getting medical insurance . In such circumstances, our visvasa gets diluted.

A9: The Prapanna has to live in this world like lotus in the water. At the same time It does not prevent him from taking medicines and hospital care. Instead of going to untested Godmen, it is prudent to make use of the medical facilities which are accessible to him. While Bhagavan in the form of Dhanvantari bestows good health, one needs to have medical care and prayers to the Supreme side by side. It is only through human body that one can consciously do Saranagati and reach the abode of the Supreme. We need to remember that when Lakshamana falls unconscious in the battlefield, Hanuman brings with great sped the Sanjeevini herbs and heals him. Mani, Mantra and Aushadha are all important. Ayurveda, the holistic science of health is the Upaveda of Rigveda.

कुशलान्न प्रम॑दित॒व्यम् ।
धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणाम् आरोग्यं मूलमुत्तमम् ।
रोगास्तस्यापहर्तारः श्रेयसो जीवितस्य च ॥
मृतसञ्जीवनीं चैव विशल्यकरणीं तथा ।
सुवर्णकरणीं चैव सन्धानीं च महौषधिम् ॥
लाय सजीवन लखन जियाये ।
श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ॥

Q10: Why should we have भय (Bhaya ) towards PERUMAL as he is karunai kadal (ocean of mercy). Will he punish us for these bad acts like fighting for mudal theertham, mudal maryadai etc before PERUMAL. Even in many temples the fight is going on for this between various thirumaligai vamsam ?

A10. This arises out of ignorance and lack of humility. While the hereditary traditional practices are to be duly respected by all, physical fighting, using abusive languages and indiscipline in front of the Supreme in Archa form have to be shunned at all costs. There could be later discussions and delibertaions for restoring one’s rights and privileges, the inherent dasa bhava should not be forgotten. It is all the more important for those following Vaidhi Bhakti should inculcate utmost Bhayabhakti towards the Supreme. The same logic applies in the case of the physical presence of true Acharyas and Bhagavatas.

ये के चास्मच्छ्रेया॑सो ब्रा॒ह्मणाः ।
तेषान्त्वयाऽऽसनेन प्रश्व॑सित॒व्यम् ।
भी॒षाऽस्मा॒द्वातः॑ पवते ।
भी॒षोदे॑ति॒ सूर्यः॑ ।
भीषाऽस्मादग्नि॑श्चेन्द्र॒श्च ।
मृत्युर्धावति पञ्च॑म इ॒ति ।

Q11. Bhagavan commands everybody's buddhi. Why some get good and others get bad thinking and do bad karma.

A11. The Supreme is not responsible for the actions of the doer. The Jiva does actions propelled by his Vasanas and Trigunas. Hence a Jiva does good or bad accordingly.

न कर्तृत्वं न कर्माणि लोकस्य सृजति प्रभुः ।
न कर्मफलसंयोगं स्वभावस्तु प्रवर्तते ॥

Q12. We have Bhakti. Not getting consistent, permanent jnana and VAIRAGYA. Why?

A12. Consistency comes by discipline, sense control and repeated practice. It takes a long time for one to evolve. Q13.Why Bharanyasam was done for a young boy without his father or Axcharya clearly advising him about the fundamental do’s and don’ts. He says he is eating outside and also worships other Devatas. A13. Normally in the olden days only after analyzing the mental maturity and pre-testing for at least one year, the Bharanyasam would be done in case the Achayan is fully convinced. When neither the father nor the Acharya overlooks the same, the problem arises.

गुरुं प्रकाशतेत् धीमान् ।
शिष्यपापं गुरुं व्रजेत् ।

Having undergone Bharanyasam, one has to learn the mandatory requisites and put them into practice in a gradual manner considering the complexities of modern living. Doing frequent japam of Dvayam mitigates the deficiencies. Doing sandhyavandadanam daily recitation of aghamarsgana suktam , Purushsa Suktam and Rudram cleanses one of the sins. One has to show due respect to all Devis and Devatas while worshipping Sriman Narayana as the Supreme indweller of all.

तन्मे॒ वरु॑णो रा॒जा॒ पा॒णिना ह्यव॒मऱ्श॑तु ।
सो॑ऽहम॑पा॒पो वि॒रजो॒ निर्मु॒क्तो मु॑क्तकि॒ल्बिषः ।
पु॒नन्तु॒ ऋष॑यः पु॒नन्तु॒ वस॑वः पु॒नातु॒ वरु॑णः पु॒नात्व॑घमऱ्ष॒णः ।
यदुच्छि॑ष्ट॒मभोज्य॒य्यँद्वा॑ दु॒श्चरि॑तं॒ मम॑ ।
सर्वं॑ पुनन्तु॒ मामापो॑ऽस॒ताञ्च॑ प्रति॒ग्रह॒॒ स्वाहा ।
यदह्ना पाप॑मका॒ऱ्षम् ।
मनसा वाचा॑ हस्ता॒भ्याम् ।
पद्भ्यामुदरे॑ण शि॒श्ञा ।
अह॒स्तद॑वलु॒म्पतु ।
यद्रात्रिया पाप॑मका॒ऱ्षम् ।
मनसा वाचा॑ हस्ता॒भ्याम् ।
पद्भ्यामुदरे॑ण शि॒श्ञा ।
रात्रि॒स्तद॑वलु॒म्पतु ।

Please note that so long as one operates within the domain of वर्णाश्रम धर्म (Varnasrama dharma) in the प्रवृत्ति मार्ग (pravrtti marga), he has to worship and offer oblations to various Devi – Devatas based on Sruti-Smrti- Sutra- Dharma Sastra and so on.

Q14. Whether Danam and Dharma are one and the same?

A14. In the Vedic–Smṛti tradition, dāna means the deliberate giving away of something of value to another, in a right spirit and to a worthy recipient. It is not just “donation” in a modern financial sense; it is a dhārmic act of giving governed by faith, fitness, and intention. Dāna is the act of giving—especially as dakṣiṇā, support, or gift—which sustains sacrifice, supports living beings, removes hostility, and establishes social order. Dharma is that righteousness and right order by which the world is supported, sin is removed, and society is upheld. Dāna is one branch or expression of dharma. Dharma is broader than dāna.

सत्य॒व्वँद । धर्म॒ञ्चर ।
श्रद्ध॑या दे॒यम् । अश्रद्ध॑याऽदे॒यम् । श्रि॑या दे॒यम् । ह्रि॑या दे॒यम् । भि॑या दे॒यम् । संवि॑दा दे॒यम् ।
दा॒नमिति॒ सर्वा॑णि भू॒तानि॑ प्र॒शस॑न्ति दा॒नान्नाति॑ दु॒ष्कर॒न्तस्माद्दा॒ने र॑मन्ते ।
पर॒मव्वँद॑न्ति दा॒नय्यँ॒ज्ञाना॒व्वँरू॑थ॒न्दक्षि॑णा लो॒के दा॒तार॑ सर्वभू॒तान्यु॑पजी॒वन्ति॑ दा॒नेनारा॑ती॒रपा॑नुदन्त दा॒नेन॑ द्विष॒न्तो मि॒त्रा भ॑वन्ति दा॒ने स॒र्वं प्रति॑ष्ठित॒न्तस्माद्दा॒नं प॑र॒मव्वँद॑न्ति ।
ध॒र्मो विश्व॑स्य॒ जग॑तः प्रति॒ष्ठा लो॒के ध॒र्मिष्ठं॑ प्र॒जा उ॑पस॒र्पन्ति॑ ध॒र्मेण॑ पा॒पम॑प॒नुद॑ति ध॒र्मे स॒र्वं प्रति॑ष्ठित॒न्तस्माद्ध॒र्मं प॑र॒मव्वँद॑न्ति ।
ध॒र्म इति॒ धर्मे॑ण॒ सर्व॑मि॒दं परि॑गृहीतन्ध॒र्मान्नाति॑ दु॒श्चर॒न्तस्माद्ध॒र्मे र॑मन्ते ।

  Q15. Whether after doing Prapatti, one can commit sins? What is the position of the Prapanna?

A15. The powerful Vasanas may trigger one to commit sins even after Prapatti. Depending upon on the gravity of the sins, the prapanna expriences the fruit of his action. In such cases, Prapanna has to necessarily atone for his sins . Chanting Dvayam in a devotional mood of full surrender will reduce the displeasure of Bhagavan. Bhagavan, may at his own volition accept him or give him another birth for redemption.

अथवा योगिनामेव कुले भवति धीमताम् ।
एतद्धि दुर्लभतरं लोके जन्म यदीदृशम् ॥

Q16. Whether it is sufficient to have Mahavisvasa at the time of Prapatti ?

A16. It is not sufficient to have Mahavisvasa at the time of Prapatti. It is a life-long commitment.

Q17. If one loses interest interest in Laukika matters after Prapatti, how Bhagavan will take it?

A17. If one loses interest interest in Laukika matters and develops unconditional love towards Bhagavan, it will be greatly appreciated and encouraged by the Supreme.

Q18. If one loses interest interest in moksha after Prapatti, how Bhagavan will take it?

A18. Bhagavan will consider one who loses interest in moksha after Prapatti him as one who is ineligible to attain His lotus feet. His prapatti is flawed . Out of causeless mercy, he may at his own volition provide him opportunities for redemption either in this birth or in a later birth.

Q19.Did Bhagavan say that at the end of this life , one definitely attains Him?

A19. It all depends on the commitment, dedication, devotion and unconditional surrender of the Prapanna. Bhagavan, being independent, may make exceptions as well.

Q20. Without control over senses, if one commits sins after Prapatti, whether Bhagavan will forgive?

A20. By full repentance and unconditional surrender and not repeating the misdeeds , Bhagavan will forgive out of sheer mercy.

क्षिप्रं भवति धर्मात्मा शश्वच्छान्तिं निगच्छति ।
कौन्तेय प्रतिजानीहि न मे भक्त: प्रणश्यति ॥
अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक् ।
साधुरेव स मन्तव्य: सम्यग्व्यवसितो हि स: ॥

Bhagavan will shower his grace to all beings and even without antima smarana.

सकृदेव प्रपन्नाय तवास्मीति च याचते ।
अभयं सर्वभूतेभ्यो ददाम्येतद्व्रतं मम ॥
स्थिते मनसि सुस्वस्थे शरीरे सति यो नरः ।
धातुसाम्ये स्थिते स्मर्ता विश्वरूपं च मामजम् ॥
ततस्तं म्रियमाणं तु काष्ठलोष्टसमं प्रभो ।
अहं स्मरामि मद्भक्तं नयामि परमां गतिम् ॥

Q21: Bhagavan only gives the desires and then why Prapannas also get neglected?

A21: Prapatti is not to be construed as a religious ritual. It is a clear state of mind devoted to the Supreme at all points of time. It is a life-long commitment. It is only the Prapanna who has to take due care of his deeds after Prapatti, Bhagavan does not come in-between. It is important to keep in mind that to strive towards attaining the Supreme is very rare not only in the modern time but also in the Dvapara Yuga.

मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्चिद्यतति सिद्धये ।
यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वत: ॥
बहूनां जन्मनामन्ते ज्ञानवान्मां प्रपद्यते ।
वासुदेव: सर्वमिति स महात्मा सुदुर्लभ: ॥

Q22. What is the basic quality to be in association with prapannas?

A22. Humility.

Q23. After Prapatti and despite sincere trying, why does one fail?

A23. The intentions are sacrosanct. If one fails , realize, repent and repeat not. By dvaya anusandhana, one shall pray for the divine grace of the Supreme for redemption from Samsara.

बलवानिन्द्रियग्रामो विद्वांसमपि कर्षति ॥

A24. Whether the Supreme will consider them as inferior to the laukikas?

A24. The very thought that “I am a Prapanna and he is a Laukika who is inferior to me ” reflects immaturity and absence of humility. This misconception has to be first eradicated.

सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म ॥
विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि ।
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिता: समदर्शिन: ॥

Q25. Whether it is proper for the Supreme to test the Prapanna after giving him Jnana to follow the path of Prapatti?

A25. The Prapanna has to take full responsibility for his deeds after Prapatti. Bhagavan may test them depending upon his own volition. It is done at times in some cases to bring to light the greatness of the Prapanna .

Q26. Whether it is the same fate as happened to Jada Bharata? The Supreme revealed to Thondaradipodi Azhvar and not to Jada Bharata? Whether the positions of some is meant only for Lila?

A26. Jada Bharata is an Atma Jnani. Due to his attachment to the deer as antima smarana , he faces downfall. Thondaradipodi Azhvar completely surrenders to the Supreme despite his earlier flawed behavior. He does not repeat the mistakes. Hence, he becomes the favorite of the Supreme.

KEY PONTERS:-

(1) Develop detachment towards samsara based on nitaya- anitya vastu viveka and develop equanimity of mind to face tough situations in life.

(2) Attach the mind towards Bhagavan and keep remembering him like one’s own breath.

(3) Do not always go into the past, remembering your misdeeds, for it is a sheer wastage of time.

(4) As life span is short, focus on the present and attune your mind towards the Supreme in every situation with deep faith.

(5) Even after Prapatti, if you fail, just sicerely pray for the forgiveness of the Supreme and continue in your path of Prapatti as far as you can. There is no one in the world who is perfect. Human beings evolve over time and over births as well.

(6) Always be humble, broad-mined and polite. Do not think you are someone superior to others. Do not compare yourself with any one else. Each one has his own life journey.

(7) Do not reveal to others your detailed religious austerities. Practice them with full faith in silence and solitude. Cry before the Lord whole-heartedly and pray for his boundless grace.

(8) Do not be carried away by the external religious appearance of those whose inherent motives are only selfishness, name, fame and money-making .

(9) Be fully confident that Bhagavan will bestow his grace despite your weakness and deficiencies.

अनावृत्तिः शब्दादनावृत्तिः शब्दात् ॥
स खल्वेवं वर्तयन्यावदायुषं ब्रह्मलोकमभिसम्पद्यते न च पुनरावर्तते न च पुनरावर्तते ॥

जय जय श्रीराधे