1. Vedanta Society of Iowa August 23, 2014 Vedanta according to Sri Ramanujacharya 1

2. 2 Effort Self-Effort Self-Surren der Spiritual Evolution (Instinctive) (Deliberative) (Intuitive) awareness ownership Karma Jnana Bhakti God Realization Complete Self-surrender

3. Vedanta – Visishtadvaita (Acc. to Sri Ramanujacharya) 1.Tatva  Knowledge of the 3 Real entities  Ishwara (God - the creator - controller of the world)  Jiva (sentient, living souls)  Ajiva (insensient, non-living ) 2.Hita  Means of God-Realization  Bhakti (devotion to God)  Prapatti (self-surrender) 3.Purusartha  Goal to be attained – freedom from bondage 3

4. Means of Realization - Hita (Acc. to Sri Ramanujacharya) 1.Preparatory Means  7-preparatory steps  Leads to purification of mind  Develops living & loving relationship with God 2.Advanced Means  6-conditions of self-surrender  Leads to continual remembrance of God  Surrendering oneself completely to God 4

5. 1.Viveka Practice of Discrimination: Pure food helps to cultivate pure mind: a)Avoid food that are impure by nature (jaati dosha) b)Avoid food with external impurities (nimitta dosha) c)Avoid food prepared/touched by impure person (aashraya dosha) 2.Vimoka Freedom from desire: a)Getting rid of ‘worldly’ desires b)Desire for God alone 3.Abhyasa Persistent effort to feel the presence of God a)God is the Indwelling Spirit b)Thoughts, words and deeds must be in unison 5 Preparatory Means

6. 4. Kriya Pancha (5) Maha-Yagnas & Karmas: a)Fulfilling the debts to Rsi, Deva, Pritr, Nara, Bhuta b)Following the path of karma (Nitya, Naimittika, Kamya, Nishiddha & Prayaschitta 5. Kalyana Practice of Virtues: a)Truthfulness b)Non-violence c)Benevolence d)Straight forwardness e)Friendliness f)Compassion g)Well-wishing 6 Preparatory Sadhana – II.

7. 6. Anavasada a)Freedom from despair due to disappointment b)Being cheerful & positive 7. Anuddharsha a)Absence of exaltation b)Avoiding extreme 7 Preparatory Sadhana – III.

8. Six aspects of self-surrender (Sadvidha SaranAgatih) 1.Anukulasya Sankalpah Entertaining favorable thoughts and actions: a)I will always do everything that pleases the Lord b)I will make myself fit to receive His Grace c)I will follow the instructions of my Guru 8 Advanced Means

9. 2.PrAtikulasya Varjanam Giving up unfavorable thoughts and actions: a)I will never do anything that displeases the Lord b)I will give up anger, jealousy, pride, hypocrisy etc. c)I will give up name, fame, power, relationship, and wealth if they prove to be obstacles in my path d)I will give up objects and attachment to objects that obstruct my spiritual progress e)I will give up company of the people that obstruct my spiritual progress 9 Advanced Means (contd.)

10. 3.Raksisyati iti visvasah Firm faith that God will protect me: a)Having firm conviction that God alone is capable of solving my problem b)God protects me at all times under every circumstances c)God is my well-wisher - whatever happens is for the best d)God is the most kind and compassionate and His love for me is unconditional e)I am His child and He will never abandon me 10 Advanced Means (contd.)

11. 4. Goptrtva varanam Actually seeking refuge in the Lord: a)I voluntarily choose to place my responsibilities on God b)I pray for protection, blessings and grace c)I come to you as I am; make me what you want me to be d)Hold me, guide me to truth e)You have guided me till now, help me further, bless me 11 Advanced Means (contd.)

12. 5. Atma Nikshepa Throwing oneself totally at the mercy of the Lord: a)I fall at the feet of the Lord or surrender totally to the Lord b)I have no will or wish of my own c)I am like the flute in Your hands – you can play in any tune 6. Karpanya Total helplessness: a)I live in humility since I surrendered b)It’s not my greatness, but His Grace that he accepted me 12 Advanced Means (contd.)

13. Q&A 13

14. Jaanaki-saki kripaa, jagavati sujana jiv Jaagi tyagi mudhata, anuraga srihare - Saint Tulsidas 14