Doubt in Visishtadvaita metaphysics

From the Bhakti List Archives

• August 31, 1999


Narayana Narayana.

I have a doubt in Visishtadvaita metaphysics. I understand the
following:
1. It is said that the self, in its essential nature, is a sesha of the
Lord. 
2. Ignorance of this fundamental fact is caused by Avidya. 
3. On self-realisation, when avidya dissipates, the self realises its
essential nature of seshahood. 

My doubt is:

If a person attains Atma-swarupa-jnana, would he also not realise his
seshahood and enjoy Sriman Narayana? If so, why does Srivaishnavism
reject kaivalya (atma) seeking? I have also read in an old posting (on
kalai differences) that some consider kaivalya-muktas will be in the
fringe of Sri Vaikuntha and some consider they will be outside Sri
Vaikuntha. How is this justified when an atmajnani would also
automatically realise his essential liegehood to Narayana?

A follower of the path to Atma-swarupa-jnana may not know his essential
leigehood to Narayana, but on realisation, wouldn't he know? - that is
the question.

I humbly request our members to clarify this doubt.

Narayana Narayana.

Parthasarathy Srinivasan.
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