Allegory of the Mahabharata
The Mahabharata warfare allows itself to be viewed allegorically. Laws of nature are eternal and uniform. What happens once is bound to repeat itself under similar circumstances. The Law of Incarnation of God is equally...
Hindu Philosophy—Part 16
The Soul—A Distinct Individual Entity according to Vishishtadvaita
The soul is a higher Prakara of God than matter, because it is a conscious entity. It is of the essence of God. According to Ramanuja, God, soul and...
Mahabharata Series by Swami Vivekananda Part 6
Now, both parties alike wished to secure the alliance of Krishna. But he declined to take an active part and fight in this war, but offered himself as charioteer to Arjuna, and as the...
The Sadhuru—The God-Realized Master
Every soul is destined to be perfect, and every being, in the end, will attain the state of perfection. Whatever we are now is the result of our acts and thoughts in the past; and...
Sage Vyaasa gave all that he ever was for the posterity of Sanaatana Dharma
Today is Guru-Vyaas Purnima. It is also called Guru Purnima. This day celebrates the life, works and teachings of the Sage Vyaasa whose original name was...
Life beset with Problems: The Dilemma of Arjuna
Until he made his appearance on the battle-field Arjuna was actually panting for a deadly encounter with the wicked. He was erstwhile a stranger to doubts and despair. Just as an...
What is Brahman according to Vishishtadvaita?
Hindu Philosophy-Part 15
According to Ramanuja, whatever is, is Brahman; but, Brahman is not of a homogeneous nature. It contains within Itself elements of plurality on account of which It truly manifests Itself in...
Mahabharata Series by Swami Vivekananda Part 5
Now, as the thirteenth year of the exile was drawing nigh, the Yaksha bade the Pandavas to go to Virata’s kingdom and live there in such disguises as they would think best. So,...
Mahabharata condensed into philosophy becomes Bhagavad Geeta
The Mahabharata or the Great Epic is held to be the fifth Veda. The Bhagavad Gita finds a place in this stupendous record of human activities, aspirations and achievements. Chapters twenty-five to forty-two...
Hindu Philosophy—Part 14
The Visishtadvaita System—The Story of Its Evolution
The Visishtadvaita system is an ancient one. It was originally expounded by Bodhayana in his Vritti, written about 400 B.C. It is the same as that is expounded by Ramanuja. Ramanuja...
