About Ramanuja
Ramanuja was born in 1017 CE in Tallokcherry, a small village in the kingdom of Kanchi, Tamil Nadu, India. He was born to a Brahmin family and was the youngest of four sons.
- Ramanuja's early life was marked by a deep spiritual quest. He spent many years studying the Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures.
- At the age of 16, Ramanuja had a profound spiritual experience in which he saw the divine presence of Krishna.
- He became a disciple of the Nimbarka school of Vedanta and was deeply influenced by its teachings.
- Ramanuja later broke away from the Nimbarka school and developed his own philosophy of Vishishtadvaita, which emphasizes the unique individual identity of the Supreme Being.
Key Teachings of Ramanuja
- The Supreme Being is the ultimate reality and is beyond human comprehension.
- God is both immanent and transcendent, and is present in every aspect of creation.
- Human beings are part of the divine and have a unique role to play in the creation of the universe.
- The path to spiritual liberation is through devotion, self-inquiry, and the cultivation of virtues.
Legacy of Ramanuja
Ramanuja's teachings had a profound impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality. He was a key figure in the development of the Vishishtadvaita school and his writings continue to be studied and revered by scholars and devotees today.