Contribution of preceptors: A rejoinder

In her rejoinder Ms. Gomathi Raghavan, the author of the book "Vainava Acharyargal Vaibhavam'' reviewed on July 10, cites the following in support of her views expressed in the book:

Nathamuni is the first Acharya according to the Guruparampara Prabhavam of Svathantra Jeer and the Ratna Prabha of P.B.Annangaracharya Swami.

There are Pramanas that Ramanuja was an incarnation of Thiru Anantalwan, Panchayuta as well as Sri Parthasarathy Swami. Srivaishnava literature generally mentions Srivatsinhanar's name as Kurattalwan because Ramanuja affectionately called him so.

With regard to "Nadamuni" and "Nathamuni", the principle of phonetics i.e., "Oli" in Tamil grammar must be taken into consideration.

Ramanuja uses the term "Bhakti" including Prapatti in its scope in the Saranagati Gadya and refinements in interpretation of Prapatti is post-Ramanuja. Nathamuni practised Yoga and imparted it to Kurukadhipa.

Yoga according to Visishtadvaita is clearly explained in the Gitarthasangraha (Bhakti Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita).

The definition of Purushakara Vaibhava is based on Srivachana Bhushana. Acharya Hrdaya mentions Nammalvar as Prapannajana Kutastha. Bhakti is regarded as Saranagati Sastra (Prapatti). Ratna Prabha says that it was Nathamuni who introduced Bhakti Yoga Rahasya to the Prapannas.

It was Nammalvar who taught Bhakti Yoga Rahasya to Nathamuni and hence Nammalvar is referred to as Ashtangayoga sthapaka in the book.

(The review was carried in the online Edition of July 10,2001 under Features section)

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