Search:
Bhakti List Archives

Ramanujacharya on Brahmanical Orthodoxy

From the Bhakti List Archives

Vijay Srinivasan • March 13, 1996 


This is in response to Mani's interesting comments on the above subject.  
Incidentally, I like the way he questions.  It challenges the readers.  

Perhaps as a clarification to his points, I wish to state that I have 
understood Ramanujacharya's position on orthodoxy this way:

Our Acharya respected the traditional Brahmanic codes (classified under 
shastras).  But where Bhakti or love is overwhelming, these conventional rules 
give way to exceptions.  This will explain the position taken by our acharya 
with regard to the partaking of left-overs from Thirukachhi nambigal, or his 
leaning on shoulders of Urangavilli Daasar.  I think intentions are more 
important than the action itself.


Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan