The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?
The best means of salvation was devotion.
Correct AnswerVedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative
Incorrect AnswerLogical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
Incorrect AnswerSalvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Incorrect AnswerExplanation:
- Ramanuja was a proponent of the Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-Dualism) school of Vedanta.
- He emphasized Bhakti or devotion to God, particularly Lord Vishnu, as the most important means of attaining salvation.
- According to Ramanuja, surrendering to God and devotional worship would lead the soul to salvation, and he stressed the importance of Bhakti over mere ritualistic practices or intellectual pursuits.
- He did recognize the authority of the Vedas, but devotion was central to his teachings.
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By: Arun Rana