TAMIL
Concept of self-surrender
V. N. GOPALA DESIKACHARIAR
DESIKA'S NYASATILAKAM: Commentary in Tamil by V. Srivatsankachariar; Copies can be had from S. Raghavan, D-200, Hindu Colony, 26 {+t} {+h} Cross Street, Nanganallur, Chennai-600061.
Rs. 100.
SARANAGATI, OR self-surrender, which Vedic scriptures hail as the best means to salvation, is variously known as Nyasa, Prapatti, Bharanyasa, and so on. While Vaishnava Acharyas like Alavandar and Ramanuja dealt with it at length, it was Vedanta Desika who codified the principles and systematised the practice and procedure.
Apart from the masterpieces like Rahasyatrayasara and Niksheparaksha, Desika has composed three devotional hymns on the esoteric significance, efficacy, and performance of prapatti. These are collectively known as “Nyasa trayee” (triad on Nyasa), of which Nyasatilaka is one, the other two being Nyasadasaka and Nyasavimsati.
Nyasatilaka, which comprises 32 verses, besides dealing with the salient features of prapatti, extols the role of the guru in this process. The guru is likened to the one who helps a blind man cross the road, the boatman who ferries a lame man across the river, and a king's attendant who shares the king's bounties with his wards.
There have been several commentaries on this work, the earliest being the one by Desika's son and disciple Varadacharya. And the latest is the one under review.
Srivatsankachariar, a versatile scholar of repute, has brought forth the subtle nuances and intricate meanings with admirable clarity, sustaining the reader's interest throughout.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Book Review
