A book worth reading is one which, when read, brings auspiciousness to the reader. It must be able to hold his attention and be capable of being expounded to others. Those who listen to it must also be drawn to its content. Acharya Ramanuja’s works possess these qualities, and this is brought out by Vedanta Desika in his Yatiraja Saptati, said Valayapet Ramachariar.
A thirsty person is delighted at the sight of water. Likewise, a person who thirsts for proper understanding of religious texts will delight in the works of Ramanuja. They throw light on those tenets, which otherwise remain difficult to comprehend. Those who have read the works of the Acharya or listen to them being explained would not want to read anything else. His works are a medicine for the ills of samsara. Medicines are usually consumed by us. But this medicine, the philosophy of Ramanuja, is one that enters through our ears and offers us relief from the torments of worldly life.
Ramanuja’s works are like a mirror that shows us the auspicious qualities of the Divine Couple. Those who have read Ramanuja’s works are not interested in acquiring wealth. It can be lost easily. But the wealth that is Ramanuja’s grace is never lost. His works are like the divine Kalpaka tree. To contemplate the grace of Ramanuja is itself an act of purification.
We will shun water that is muddied, and will not use it for drinking. But the same water can be purified by a seed. Contemplation of Ramanuja is like the seed.
Our hearts are full of unnecessary thoughts. Our words are not always appropriate. We speak words of envy. We use harsh words. We resort to exaggeration of what others have said. We indulge in purposeless argumentation and disputation. All of these are sinful. But contemplation of Ramanuja is like the purifying seed, which cleanses our hearts and makes us worthy recipients of his grace. Ramanuja’s works are like an ocean. We must dive into this ocean to discover many truths. But his grace embraces all, even those who are not capable of a scholarly study of his works.
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