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Some Reflections

From the Bhakti List Archives

RANGASWAMY • April 15, 1996 


Dear Bhagavatas,

Sri Sadagopan posted a couple of excellent articles on the 
works of Madhurakavi Azhwar. The main feature of Madhurakavi Azhwar's works
is Bhakti for his Acharyan, Nammazhwar. This has been brilliantly 
captured by Sri Sadagopan in his posts. Respect for the Guru is
emphasized by all our Azhwars, Purvacharyas and Acharyas. However, nobody 
except Madhurakavi Azhwar made it the central theme of their works.
Sri Sadagopan's post reminded me of a Kriti by Purandara Dasa "
Guruvina GulamanAguva Tanaka DorayadaNNa Mukti (It is impossible to get 
mukti unless one becomes the slave of the Guru)". 

While reflecting on the work of our Azhwars, Purvacharyas and Acharyas,
I began to wonder whether one needs to be learned and erudite in order to 
realize the Lord and obtain Moksham. If yes, I wonder how the knowledge and 
erudition takes one closer to the Lord? The works of our Azhwars,
Purvacharyas and Acharyas indicate that total surrender to the Lord is 
sufficient for attaining Moksham thereby implying that nothing more is
necessary. The experience of greatest scholars  
(like Sri Ramanujacharya after 
rendering the Gadya Trayam, Swami Desikan after delivering the Daya Shatakam
or Sri Tiru Kacchi Nambi after the Devaraja Ashtakam) suggests that the Lord
can be realized only after a complete surrender (Sharanagati). I would 
appreciate more input on this subject from all of you. 

Sri Ranganayaki Sametha Sri Ranganatha Swami Parabrahmane Namaha,

Muralidhar Rangaswamy