sri ramanujasahasrabdi march 2015

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Sri Ramanujasahasrabdi March 2015

Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi

March 2015

Jeeyar Educational TrustSitanagaram,Guntur Dist.Phone: 08645272929email: [email protected]

JIVASriramnagaramPalamakul (PO)Samshabad.Ph: 9443549971/72email: [email protected]

[email protected] us: www.sriramanujasahasrabdi.org

www.chinnajeeyar.org

PrintingSriman Printers, Sitanagaram

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Sri Ramanuja

The Social ReformerVE:DA:NTA DYAYA TATVAGNYAM MANTRA MANTRA:RTHADAM GURUMSRI:MAN NA:RA:YANA: CHARYA RAMANUJA YATIM BHAJE

Lord Almighty is the One who dwells inside and outside of everything that is conceivable and beyond. Hethrough his innate sovereign powers rules both the nature and the souls. He has the nature and souls ashis divine form. He is constantly at work in taking care of His infinite creation. ‘It’ being His Creation is fullyperfect and totally equal. Every part and parcel of His Creation has a definite purpose, a well-definedresponsibility in its current state and reflects in part his pre-eminence in one way or the other.

Distinctions among the created arise mainly due to their karma, one aspect of it being the unique natureof the skillsets that each being possesses or the responsibilities that one is assigned to while in this world.Leaving aside the philosophical deliberations temporarily, one can see that no two beings are createdequally or live equally. Animals, plants and other living beings go through their ordained duties, happinessand suffering without any questioning. In doing so it is said that they are blessed with higher states of life,like the case of human beings where they can strive to find solutions and answers to vagaries of life.However, most of the times this higher intellect is put to a wrong use by the humans. Driven by their ulteriormotives they try to find solutions to their sufferings by deceiving others, by widening the naturally createddistinctions towards their advantage and by grabbing the possessions/rights of others. In doing so, theysubject themselves to more agony due to the endless consternations and more importantly contribute tothe myriad afflictions of the world.

The solution to this is two-fold:

1. Treating the afflictions of the beings by providing them the needed assistance, support.

2. And more importantly imparting the accurate knowledge. A knowledge which will help them

a. understand the equality of the creation and honor it

b. understand the laws of action

c. find solutions to rise above the cause and effect of such actions

It must be clearly understood that social reforms or for that matter any reform has the righteous knowledgeas the root of it in removing the malady it’s trying to address.

Taking an example, when a person is suffering from a disease, the physical aspect of curing him with theright medicine is important. Far more important is imparting him with the right knowledge with which hecan prevent a recurrence of that disease. Knowledge itself can be seen as a medicine that cures too.

Towards this cause, various philosophies have been formulated by enlightened souls from time to time inorder to provide the needed answers and to layout the path that leads one to happiness. The Supreme

One had descended onto this earth in various forms from time to time for this purpose.

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Sri Ramanuja is one such incarnation considered by many as Anantha, the thousand hooded serpent bed of

the Supreme Lord. Anantha and its thousand heads are indicative of the infinite deep knowledge that is

capable of emanating out effectively in every direction.

During the 11th Century, Sri Ramanuja was instrumental in cementing the thoughts and principles of

Visishtaadwaitha philosophy. A philosophy which imbibes the fact that the Supreme One resides in each and

every soul, that all the beings and the nature are parts of his divine form. It stipulates this principle further by

laying down service to beings as service to the almighty, akin to the aspect of different parts of a body trying to

serve and help each other to support the life.

When one realizes this basic tenet and understands that each and every being has the Supreme One in them,

one starts to treat each being with kindness, equality; One comprehends the fact that no other being can really

cause him/her any harm; that the exultations and afflictions are a result of his/her own actions and are directed

towards the ultimate good as ordained by the Supreme Father; that his fellow beings are merely the carriers of

such effects and that one should be thankful to all of them working as tools of God towards his own good.

Simple as it sounds, it is hard to inculcate such knowledge and more importantly retain it throughout a span of

a life. It needs the assistance and direction of a supreme master who has travelled in that path earlier, who

understands the travails and pitfalls along the path.

Sri Ramanuja strived throughout his life relentlessly to spread this knowledge both through his preaching and

actions. He ordained duties for identified groups of people across various communities for serving the Lord in

several capacities. Sri Ramanuja is also seen by historians as perhaps the first social reformer who sought to

go beyond social stratifications, treating every one as an equal.

In his supreme sympathy for people who desired to reach the goal of salvation, he showed the path of surrender.

A path through which one submits himself to the Supreme Will just as a kitten feels safe and surrenders to its

mother which catches it by its neck and moves it from place to place. He has thus been acclaimed as a great

religious social genius. Many are the sacrifices he had made to promote devotion.

It was paramount to establish the Visishtaadwaitha philosophy with sound arguments and facts, so that it gets

secured in the hearts and minds of the seekers. Towards this, Sri Ramanuja spent his whole life writing the

commentary on the Bramha Suthras (Sree Bhaashyam), refuting the claims and interpretations which would

otherwise lead the soul on a path away from that of service and surrender. Sri Ramanuja was the greatest

synoptic thinker which the world ever produced to systematize Visishtadvaitic philosophy, faithfully interpreting

the ancient knowledge in tune with the letter and spirit of the text in the light of revelation and experience tested

by stern logic. He strived to firmly establish the system and preserve it for generations together by fostering a

lineage of similarly competent disciples who would take it forward through the ages.

Following are some of the important events and incidents in the life of this Divine Saint which unequivocally

reveal him as the unparalleled social reformer with firm faith in equality of all.

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1. Friendship with Sri Kanchipurna

Ramanujacharya was known for his broadmindedness from his young age. During Ramanuja’s time,

there lived a great Vishnu Bhaktha called Kanchipurna(Thirukkacchi Nambi). He was a non-bramhin by

birth but had a great devotion for Lord Varadaraja of Kanchi shrine and served him every-day at the

temple. Ramanuja was always fascinated by his devotion and learnt so much information about devotion

and serving God.

Many people in the village never liked Ramanuja’s association with this low caste Kanchipurna. Ramanuja

had a great respect for Kanchipurna and he often invited him for lunch. One morning Ramanuja invited

Kanchipurna for lunch and went to Lord Varadaraja’s service in the temple. At lunch time Ramanuja

came home with a banana leaf and told his wife to get the lunch ready for Kanchipurna. Ramanuja’s

wife replied that she already served lunch to Kanchipurna, gave the leftover food to the maid, and

cleaned the place where he ate. Hearing this Ramanuja was very disappointed with his wife and the

way she treated Kanchipurna. Ramanuja’s wife was so orthodox and she exhibited discrimination with

the people belonging to other castes. Whereas Ramanuja was an open minded person and had a

great reverence for Kanchipurna for his knowledge and devotion for Lord.

2. Incident with Sri Mahapurna leading to Sri Ramanuja relinquishing his married life:

There was also another incident with his teacher Mahapurna, who initiated Ramanuja with Pancha

Samskarams (five steps of initiation to become a Sri Vaishnava). Mahpurna belonged to a slightly

lower level Bramhin sect. One day Ramanuja’s wife made discriminatory remark at Mahapurna’s wife

while collecting water from the well. Ramanuja’s wife said that the water collected by Mahapurna’s wife

and her may have mixed up, and being a higher caste person she cannot use the water that is mixed up

the water that is drawn by a lower caste/sect person. At this insult Mahapurna leaves that place without

informing Ramanuja with the intention of not causing any inconvenience to him. After learning this from

his wife Ramanuja decides to leave married life and become a saint.

3. Initiation of Ashtaakshari Maha Manthra to thousands with no descrimination

Once Sri Ramanuja proceeded to Thirukkottiyur to take initiation of the sacred asta:kshari mantra (Om

Namo Na:ra:yana:ya) from Sri Thirukottiyur Nambi. Somehow, Sri Nambi was not willing to initiate

Ramanuja easily. He made Ramanuja travel all the way from Srirangam to Madhurai nearly eighteen

times before he made up his mind to initiate him, and that too, only after exacting solemn promises of

secrecy. Then Nambi duly initiated Ramanuja and said: “Ramanuja! Keep this Manthra a secret. This

Manthra is a powerful one. Those who repeat this Mantra will attain salvation. Give it only to a worthy

disciple previously tried”. But Ramanuja had a very large heart. He was extremely compassionate and

his love for humanity was unbounded. He wanted that every man should enjoy the eternal bliss of Lord

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Narayana. He realized that the Manthra was very powerful. He immediately called all people whoever

interested in initiation, irrespective of caste and creed, to assemble before the temple. He stood on top

of the tower above the front gate of the temple, and shouted out the sacred Manthra to all of them at the

top of his voice. Nambi, his Guru, came to know of this. He became furious. Ramanuja said: “O my

beloved Guru! Please prescribe a suitable punishment for my wrong action”. Ramanuja said: “I will

gladly suffer the tortures of hell myself if millions of people could get salvation by hearing the Manthra

through me”. Nambi was very much pleased with Ramanuja and found out that he had a very large heart

full of compassion. He embraced Ramanuja and blessed him. The meaning of this most sacred chant

is quintessential to understanding the relationship between the Creator Sri Narayana and the Created.

A deep understanding of the relationship with the divine lays down a strong emphasis on the performance

of social and religious duties proper to one’s place in the social structure. When one is armed with it,

one naturally works towards the good of the whole Universe as Sri Ramanuja.

4. Providing access to low-caste men into temples:

One of the extraordinary noble deeds that Ramanuja performed was to lead the so-called low caste

men into the temples. In the stupendous work, he was involved in spreading the gospel of God, which

included hard journeys to distant places, he obtained assistance from these men of ordinary level.

During his tour in Mysore, Ramanuja, in appreciation of these lay-men’s service, gave them the title of

“Thirukkulattar” (or blessed descendants) and allowed them the privilege of entering the holy temples.

5. Vairamudi festival at Melkote near Mysore:

Sri Ramanuja made sure there was no discrimination against the people of other castes. One great

example is a Lord Vishnu’s temple in Melkote in Karnataka, where a very special celebration is held

once in a year called Vairamudi. This celebration goes for almost a week, and during that period

people of lower castes are given maximum importance to celebrate and worship God in their own way.

Thus, Ramanuja was a great social reformer. Ramanuja made a point many times that everyone,

irrespective of caste, creed and sex, is eligible for Lord Narayana’s grace, and it can be received with

complete surrender to Him.

6. His last message (Charama Sandesa) clearly reflects his social values:

a) Sri Lakshminarayana is the supreme being

b) He is our (Universal) father.

c) Sri Mahalakshmi is our (Universal) mother and guru.

d) All of us (Chethanas ) are possessions of God.

e) All chethanas and achethanas are subordinate to God.

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f) Since the entire universe is his body, He(Residing in the body) cannot bear when any part of the

body suffers pain.

g) Any pain or hurt we cause to any being is equivalent to causing pain or hurt to the antharyami

Bhagavan.

h) If one wants upliftment of soul and supreme bliss, the only way is total surrender to Him.

j) Love and identifying oneself with the problems of others is the hallmark of a person who loves God

and Is His devotee.

k) Hence one should approach such an exalted soul, serve and surrender to be assured of Mukthi/

salvation.

Sri Ramanuja had 74 prime disciples who were to become the torchbearers of the Sreevaishnavaite

philosophy.

7. His commandments which denote his magnanimity and the extreme importance he gave

to the service of the society.

For him every being was a devotee of the Supreme Lord.

· Do not be disrespectful of sri Vaishnavaas (devotees of the Lord) for any reason, including age,

caste, etc. You must show respect to them all.

· Do not find fault with the praise of the Lord or devotees.

· Among his devotees do not discriminate between poor and rich.

· Ignore the faults and praise the virtues of his devotees

· Do not consider yourself as equal to other devotees. Think of yourself as their servant.

· To purify your sins consume the sri pada theerttham of great saints. For this, do not consider the

caste of those saints.

· Do not boast about your virtues. Do not scorn a devotee.

· Do not ignore serving devotees.

· Do not associate with the ones who find faults with others. Do not even look upon those who belittle

devotees. Associate with those who wish to surrender to the Lord.

· Even simply saying out loud the caste of a sri vaishnava is a sin.

· Do not consider anything related to our Lord as ordinary. There is nothing greater than making our

Lord and his devotees happy. Insulting a devotee is a greater sin than not praying to the Lord. Your

duty is to surrender to our Lord. Try to live in Thiru naaraayanapuram (melkote) at least for some

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time. If you are unable to, where ever you are, live with dwayam (dwaya manthra) on your tongue. If

you are unable to do even this, serve other srivaishnavaas.

8. Systematization of temples as Centers of Service and Social Empowerment

Sri Ramanuja holds the herculean accomplishment of systematizing temples by revival and regularizationof its rites and procedures. He further configured teams, resources and patterns for structural, infra-structural, financial, religious and human resources management of temples, which are even nowavailable in the form of practice records and compiled manuals. His management efficiency and tooldesigning have to be incorporated in advanced studies, research and applications of management.

One monumental sample for his management skills and executive ability is the lake that he constructedat Thondanur, 18 kms from Melkote, situated near Mysore. The lake, which has never dried since itsformation is a conspicuous proof of planning, environmental engineering, need analysis, water resourcesmanagement and human capital management abilities of Sri Ramanuja. He always emphasized theneed of temples to act as centers of knowledge enrichment, service and social empowerment, ratherthan being abodes of mere worship.

His temple’ responsibility and service’ design is comprehensive and has a complete social embrace.Along with elite and enlightened dynasties, he even entangled simple members of the society likewasher-men, potters, cow-herds, connected with temple legend and history, into the rights and rewardarena, and ensured that they are provided due respect and significance, through his administrativeguidelines and order.

9. Non-violence and endurance

In spite of his spiritual prowess and mass support, he never preached and permitted aggressivemeasures and unholy adventures, in the name of sacrifice and bravery, for crisis control and rescue.Even in his toughest times of religious chaos, amidst persecution and extraditions, he entertained andeducated patience, avoidance, unity and dynamic action and thus pioneered the movement of non-violence and inspired many of His direct and indirect successors.

To summarize Sri Ramanuja’s contribution as a social reformer, it’s first important to cognize the fact that atrue philosophy lays down the path of practice and service that results in the overall good of the society, of allbeings. And that it should not be construed as something that is different than working towards the socialcauses. It is the source. Every reformer who worked on eliminating the evils from the society had the thought ofservice, of love towards all beings as the core of his/her thought process. That principal thought is the keytowards an action that helps uplift fellow beings.

Sri Ramanuja strongly believed in the immanence of Almighty in the forms of preceptors and devotees. Hecultivated an active tradition of care, service, reverence and integrity principles towards Acharyas andbhaagavathas, which united all devotees and even masters, to the pathway of discipline and dedication. Bythis unique life way, he engineered the traits of mutual-respect, harmony and collective welfare in the society.

Asmad Gurubhyo NamahaSri:mate: Ra:ma:nuja:ya Namaha

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Jai Srimannarayana!

UPDATES OF STATUE OF EQUALITY

Foundation Stone Laid

The foundation stone was laid on 2nd May 2014, on the auspicious Akshayathrithiya day. Sincethen, different tasks have been taken to hand.

Structure

We have started the planning of structural details. Making of a 216ft high metallic statueweighing 300 to 400 metric tons is in discussion with various companies. Proposed height ofpedestal will be 96ft, the statue of Acharya in sitting position will be 108 ft high and Tridandamwill be 27 ft high totaling to 216 ft. The pedestal will have three levels with exhibits from SriRamanujacharya Swami’s life history showing inspiring incidents and philosophy. We haveengaged Vasthu specialists along with architects and experienced engineers. Currently, groundleveling has begun. Each and every aspect is meticulously being planned to meet all requirements- various parameters are taken into consideration to ensure devotees experience spiritual reliefwhile visiting Sri Ramanujacharya Swamiji’s statue. Just to list a few, thorough planning is beingdone on traffic control, parking, prasadam, toilets, shoe racks, luggage rooms while keeping inmind the seasonal changes - summer, winter and rains.

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PROJECT OFFICEInauguration of Project office at My Home Hub, Hi-Tech City, Madhapur by HH along with AhobilaRamanuja Jeeyar Swamiji and Dr. Rameshwar Rao garu We have established two offices to coordinateand execute various activities – one in JIVA premises and the other office at My Home Hub, Hi-Techcity, Hyderabad. Every single aspect is thoroughly reviewed while preparing the plans. We are takingtechnical support of seasoned people from My Home group. Dr. Rameshwar Rao’s efforts andsupport in this regard are highly remarkable. All this is to ensure that every rupee you have contributedwith big heart is utilized properly in the project.

CONCERNS CLEARED

Quite a few concerns were raised by many people on the permissible height of the statue as the site isnear the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. We are happy to inform you that, airportauthorities of India have given the necessary clearences. By the grace of Acharya, we are allowed upto 230 ft, against our need of 216ft, so we are well within the approved limit.

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Highly experienced people are involved in planning the activities demonstrating their expertisein handling projects of this magnitude and uniqueness.

Many structures have to be constructed. Different themes are being planned to depict inspiringincidents of Ramanuja’s life. We are sure that you feel joy in knowing the updates from us. We willbe in touch and keep you informed about the latest developments. You can also visit our website forinformation or to participate in the project - www. sriramanujasahasrabdi.orgYou can communicate the same to your family and friends.

EXCERPT FROM RAMANUJA’S LIFE HISTORY“Gurudev! If my act of disclosing the sacred Mantra redeems the sins andsufferings of the entire world, and I, as a result, will be deemed to rot in theworst of hells, am willing”.Startled guru of Ramanjuacharya embraced Himat once proclaiming “em-perumana:re”, which means “you havesurpassed us” by carrying such a magnanimous selfless attitude towardswelfare of the world. The scholars of that day thus declared Ramanuja asEmberuma:na:r.“Why not humans, when every creature is the child of God,despite their caste, creed, colour race or gender? Every man has the right to receive the Blessings ofGod.

Declaring thus, for the first time in history, Ramanujacharya escorted Harijans, the downtrodden, into temple, at Melkote, Karnataka. Exemplifying himself, Sri Ramanujacharya instructedthe lineage of Acharyas not to discriminate or deny any sincere truth seeker from the manthra.

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DonationWith regard to finances, as of now, donors came forward contributing / pledging close to 5% of theestimated Rs400 crores cost. Our consultants are generously rendering services without taking anyadvance payments. However, once designs are finalized, we need to start making payments. We arenot worried about the size of contributions received to date, we are confident that donors like youhave given a humble beginning that will lead us to reach the goal.

N.Ch. Dharani and her brother Raghunandan donated Rs10,622 from their pocket money We are happy to inform that peoplefrom various walks of life and ages are coming forward to be partof this project.

Mr. Surendra, visually challenged but far sightedteacher of Netra Vidyalaya pledged 1 year salary

Sriman Sandugula Raghavacharya (RugvedicSalakshana Ghanapaati) pledging 10 Lakhs.

Sri Dittakavi Bhat of Vedic Soft donated Rs 1 cr.

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Generous supporters in business can avail 100% tax deduction for unlimited contributionsmade against ‘advertisement in souvenirs’ released for this purpose. This falls under ‘businesspromotion expenditure’ head for donating to the organizations.

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We welcome such an initiative from business organizations. You may share this avenue with yourfriends in business to avail decent tax benefits while supporting this unique cause.

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Jai Srimannarayana!

With the Blessings ofHH Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji

Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi Souvenir

Multi colour back cover Rs. 15,00,000-00

Multi colour back cover (inside) Rs. 10,00,000-00

Multi colour front cover (inside) Rs. 10,00,000-00

Multi colour - Full Page Rs. 3,00,000-00

Single colour - Full Page Rs. 1,00,000-00

Single colour - Half Page Rs. 50,000-00

Single colour - 1/4 page Rs. 20,000-00

Single colour - 1/8 page Rs. 10,000-00

Advertisement Tariff Details

All the Donations are exempted U/S 80G F.No CIT(E)/Hyd/33/80G2014-15

Contact Us

Sri Ramanuja SahasrabdiJIVA,Sriramanagaram,

Mutchinthal , Palamakul (PO)Samshabad, R.R Dist-509325 Telangana.

Jai Srimannarayana!

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APPROVAL LETTERFrom,——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————Phone _______________ Mobile____________________ E-mail__________________To,SRI RAMANUJA SAHASRABDIDivya Sa:ke:tham,Sriramnagar, Paalamaakula (Post), SamshabadRangareddy District, Andhra Pradesh.Dear Sir,

SUB: Approval for Advertisement in the monthly journal for ___ no. of months.We are pleased to give our advertisement in the Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi’s monthly journalfor Multi-Colour Back Cover - Back Side/ Inside/Multi-Colour Front Page Inside/Multi-ColourFull Page/Single Colour - Full Page/Half Page/1/4 Page/1/8 Page for the ____ number of months.Tariff Category - __________________ = Rs.________________ X __ (no. of months) = Rs. ___________We have paid cash(only total Rs.20,000 & below)/cheque/demand draft/ NEFT/ RTGS for Rs._______________ ____________________________________________ only for the same.Signature

Payment DetailsCheque/DD No : _________________________Cheque/DD Date : _________________________Bank Name : _________________________Branch Name : _________________________Payments to be made in the favour of : SRI RAMANUJA SAHASRABDIpayable at : Muchintal Branch, Andhra Bank.In case of Online Fund Transfer (NEFT or RTGS)Acct Name : Sri Ramanuja SahasrabdiAcct Num : 209710100000007

Andhra Bank,Muchintal Branch

IFSC Code : ANDB0002097

sri ramanujasahasrabdi march 2015

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