The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Principle of surrender

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Friday, Jul 15, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Principle of surrender

CHENNAI: One sure method of realising God is self-surrender to the Lord for He has promised full protection to those who seek refuge in Him. This is a mutually binding act on both the devotee and the Lord and is described as the principle of Saranagathi.

The great epic Ramayana is hailed as the Sastra of Saranagathi, for it illustrates this principle that is central to the Vaishnavaite tradition, through practical demonstration and enactment, said Velukkudi Sri V. Krishnan in a lecture.

In this principle of Saranagathi, both the individual seeking refuge (Saranagathan) and the person offering protection (Saranyan) are expected to fulfil certain qualifications and requirements. Of the former is demanded an implicit faith in the Lord's power to protect the devotee, and the genuine realisation of his utter helplessness to protect himself, and of the fact that he has no other refuge except the Lord. Of the latter is expected the absolute power and responsibility of offering refuge. Herein while the omnipotence of the Lord is stressed, there is also implied His approachable disposition (Saulabya) that makes Him also full of mercy and compassion towards all, irrespective of considerations like birth, caste, status and so on.

When Vibhishana seeks Lord Rama's refuge at Sugriva's camp, all the conditions are in proper accordance. Vibhishana has abandoned everything, son, friends, wife, and brother. Being a staunch upholder of the code of Dharma, he is unable to accede to the Adharmic ways of Ravana, and finds it intolerable to continue in Lanka. He comes empty handed, but with absolute faith and hope of being accepted by Rama.

In his condition, it is clear that he has no other refuge except Rama. Rama's acceptance of Vibhishana's surrender reveals the Lord's omnipotence and His trust in Vibhishana's request. Overriding all protests arising from the fact that he comes from the enemy camp, the Lord accepts him and reiterates His vow of offering refuge to all who sincerely seek His feet. In two other instances as well, namely the surrender of the Devas to Lord Narayana that was instrumental in the incarnation as Rama, and Lakshmana's surrender seeking permission to accompany Rama to the forest, the necessary requirements for the success of the surrender are met.

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