Life and Teachings of Ramanuja

Born in a prominent Telugu Brahmin family in the twelfth century, Ramanuja was one of the most influential philosophers and theologians of mediaeval India. Well-versed in both Vedanta and Yoga, he is recognised for his work on the premise that there is one absolute reality that anyone can know through the practice of Yoga. 

Influenced by Vedanta, Ramanuja’s philosophy emphasised that the true nature of God can only be understood through self-realisation. Though his ideas were controversial at the time, they influenced many philosophers and theologians who followed him.

Who Was Ramanuja?

Ramanuja was a Hindu philosopher who lived in southern India during the 11th century. He is considered one of the most influential philosophers in the history of Hinduism. 

He is best known for his philosophy of Vishishtadvaita, which holds that the Ultimate Reality is one infinite essence that manifests in three different ways. Ramanuja’s teachings had a profound impact on the development of Hinduism, and followers of the faith widely revere him.

Ramanuja’s Childhood And Education

Ramanuja was born in 1017 in India. Though he was born into a family of Brahmins (the priestly caste), Shri Ramanujar himself did not grow up to become a priest. He didn’t begin his formal education until he was 12 years old. 

It wasn’t in a religious institution but rather in a secular school where he studied grammar, rhetoric and music.

What Were Ramanuja’s Teachings?

Ramanuja was born in southern India in the 11th century and was one of the most important Hindu philosophers. He developed a theology that focused on the idea of redemption and taught that all people could achieve salvation. 

Ramanuja teachings were prevalent and continue to be influential till now. Some of his most famous ideas include the concept of bhakti (devotion to a personal god) and the idea that God is both immanent and transcendent.

What Were Ramanuja’s Major Works?

Shri Ramanujar’s significant works include the Bhagavad Gita Bhashya, Sri Bhasya, Vedanta Sutras Bhashya and Vedanta Desika’s Pratikraman Sutra. In these texts, he interprets Advaita Vedanta and his beliefs as a Vishishtadvaita philosopher.

Ramanuja’s Years As A Teacher

Ramanuja’s teaching career began around 30 and lasted for about 60 years. During this time, he travelled throughout South India, imparting his knowledge to all who would listen. 

He was known for his skill in explaining complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand, and many of his students went on to become great philosophers in their own right. The teachings of Ramanujacharya were based on the Vedanta philosophy, which emphasises the unity of all things in the universe. He was also an ardent devotee of Vishnu, and his teachings reflect this devotion.

How Did Ramanuja’s Teachings Influence Hinduism?

Ramanuja’s teachings were based on the idea of qualified non-dualism. This means that there is a fundamental oneness underlying all existence, but this oneness is qualified by difference. In other words, there is both unity and diversity in the universe. 

This philosophy helped reconcile the differences between the Vedantic and Bhakti traditions of Hinduism. Ramanuja’s teachings are still influential in Hinduism today, and he is considered one of the most important Hindu philosophers of all time.

How Did Ramanuja’s Teachings Influence Other Philosophers?

Ramanuja’s teachings had a significant impact on other Hindu philosophers. One of his most notable disciples was Madhva, who founded the Dvaita Vedanta school of philosophy. Madhva promoted Ramanuja’s teachings and further developed them, creating his unique system. Ramanuja’s philosophy is also said to have influenced the works of Sri Chaitanya, who was an essential figure in the Vaishnava tradition.

Ramanuja’s Later Years And Death

Ramanuja’s later years were filled with more travel and teaching. He also composed many hymns and poems during this time. In 1137, Ramanujacharya finally retired to a temple where he spent his final days in peace. He passed away in 1137 at the age of 81. Ramanuja’s teachings are still honoured and studied today, and his impact on Indian philosophy is undeniable.

Ramanuja’s Impact On India’s Religious And Philosophical Landscape

Ramanuja (c. 1017-1137 CE) was a philosopher and Hindu theologian who lived in southern India. He was a crucial figure in the Vaisnava tradition, one of the two main branches of Hinduism. 

His teachings profoundly impacted India’s religious and philosophical landscape, and he is considered one of the most important religious thinkers of his time. 

Shri Ramanujar philosophy revolves around the idea of bhakti, or devotion to a personal God. He taught that all beings are equal in the eyes of God and that salvation comes through worshipping Him with love and dedication. Ramanuja’s teachings continue to be influential to this day, and he is widely revered both in India and around the world.