the exponent of the Visishtadvaita philosophy - ebooks - ISKCON ...

—
'
CH. XV. RAMANUJA'S PROCLAMATION. 97
" Tliis," he said, " is the Mantra which all our Saints and
Sages constantly recited and pondered over. It is the bestower
of eternal bliss." llamanuja reverently received the
teachings, and considered himself now as regenerated and
saved. But lie could not contain the truths within him, though
imparted under pledge of secrecy. " Why are such trnths so
jealously guarded from all mortals ? If God is not for sinners,
from whom is He ? And therefore is not His Holy Word a message
for all ? Why should mortals be denied its saving power ?
But I shall not make a secret of it. I shall divulge it to all
regardless of consequences." So did Hamsbnuja reflect and
reason. Compassion for all men burned in his heart. So- he
made up his mind to proclaim the Word to the public.
The next day, he entered into the big and elevated hall
of Terk-k^zhvaba, or the Lord Nrisimha, Resident of Tiru-kkfittiyiir,
invited all to assemble there ; and his full heart flowed
to them in the revealing of the precious truths relating to Spirit,
which he liad learnt from G. Purna, under vow of secrecy.
This news reached and roused the indignation of G. Piirna.
He commanded Rftmelnuja to appear before him ; and asked
in tones of anger:— "Culprit! did we not strictly enjoin
thee not to reveal our noble truths of religion to the
undeserving vulgar ? How durst thou misbehave, and outrage
promises m.ade ?' " Revered Sire," submitted R£im4auja,
" I confess I am guilty of disobedience. But I taught the truths
to others to glorify thee and thy lore." " That is not it," retorted
Purna, " the disobedience on thy part is the question.
That, thou
hast glaringly shown. W^hat is thy punishment for it ?" " My
punishment is certainly hell, Sire," submitted Ramanuja.
That thou well knewest," protested Purna, " and yet what made
thee to violate my law ?" " Sire," said Raraanuja, " pray
listen to me calmly. Disobedience surely deserves hell. I
must be sent there, no doubt. But, holy Sire, may I submit
that it is but little sacrifice for one sinner to make, inasmuch
'This is called tlie gopuram or pinnacle, as sung by AnnS.-v-aappangar
in liis Ea,mannja-a