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136 KUllESA'S EXEMPLAHY TEMPEU. CH. XXI.
dicfcafciag further bat KufS>a ha;l come to a full stop. This
:— incensed Ramanuja, who cried " Sir, if ynii mean to write the
commentary ou the Vydsa-Si'iiras (= Brahm S'ltras), you may
do so," and kicked him and ceaned dictating. But KurfiSa was
neither taken aback nor ruffled but remained im[)eitarbably
cool and collected. But friends vexed him with the question:
" How dost thou view this affront ? " " Comrades," he replied,
I have no view otlier than that I am my master's property
(chattel), which he is at liberty to use or treat in any manner
he thinks fit.'' R4manuja, by this time, reflected over tlie
whole position in his retreat; and it flashed on him that his
omission to define the soul as that which is a belonging of God, was
a grave mistake ina.smuch as this essentiality of soul was the
vei'y foundation of his theology. If that were missed, all the
superstructure was built on air. KiireSa did well in ceasinc
to write to Ramaauja's dictation,
but it was at variance with
the right view of the question which Kiiiesa knew, being a
perfect savant as he was. Also KurSsa's own behaviour after
the harsh ti-eatment was an actual illustration of the view he
so rightly entertained. These thoughts converted Ramsinuja's
rage into repentance ; and calling KureSa at once lovingly to
his side, " Son, you are right," said he apologizingly ;
" now
pray write down the true nature of the soul as that which is
God's, and let us proceed with the rest of our work."
In this manner did Ramanuja compose the standard works :
Srl-Bhdshya, Veddnta-Btpa, Veddnta-Sdra, Veddrtha- Sungraha,
and Bhayavad-Gitd-hhdshya. And thus did he fulfil one of the
wishes of Yamunacharya.'
' Head p. oG.