The 750th birth anniversary of Sri Vedanta Desikan, one of the shining figures of South India and an important guide in the Sri Vaishnava tradition, has been celebrated by the Vice President through the release of a commemorative postage stamp. This religious leader was known for following the philosophy of Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita, a non-dualistic school of Vedanta philosophy, which advocates the nonduality of the qualified whole, where Brahman alone exists but is characterized by multiplicity. It’s often referred to as qualified monism, qualified non-dualism, or attributive monism, with the belief in the underlying unity of all diversity.
The Legacy of Sri Vedanta Desikan
Sri Vedanta Desikan was not just a spiritual teacher, he was a multi-dimensional personality. He had mastered a variety of disciplines and fields, earning numerous titles and distinctions. The title ‘sarva-tantra-svatantra’ was bestowed upon him, depicting him as a master of all arts and crafts. He was also titled ‘kavi tarkika-kesari’ – the lion amongst poets and logicians.
Remarkably, he was praised as ‘ramanuja-daya-patram’, indicating his position as the recipient of blessings from Ramanuja himself. As a writer, he composed brilliant works in Sanskrit, Tamil, Prakrit, and Manipravalam. These included poems, prose, dramas, epics, commentaries, scientific texts, and philosophical treatises.
Inclusivity in Sri Vedanta Desikan’s Philosophy
The philosophy of Sri Vedanta Desikan was an inclusive one. He believed that anyone could join the Sri Vaishnava community, regardless of their caste or creed. This philosophy advocated for a broad-minded and inclusive approach towards understanding divinity and spirituality.
Sri Vedanta Desikan’s Mastery of Different Fields
Sri Vedanta Desikan was a genius across multiple fields. By the tender age of twenty, he had already mastered the Vedas, the Vedangas, the 4000 Divya Prabhanda (a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses), and all the existing schools of Indian philosophy such as Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa, Yoga and Sankhya.
| Works | Description |
|---|---|
| Aahaara Niyamam | A text explaining how different food items contribute to a healthy mind and disease-free life. |
| Subhashita Neevi | A compilation full of moral and ethical advice that is still relevant and practical today. |
| Silpartha-saram | A treatise on the art of sculpture. |
| Bhugola-nirnayam | A research text delving into the field of geography. |
The Multifaceted Personality of Sri Vedanta Desikan
Better understood as more than just a spiritual teacher, Sri Vedanta Desikan was a multifaceted personality. The extent of his intellectual prowess extended to being a scientist, logician, mathematician, literary genius, linguist, and military strategist. His enduring legacy continues to inspire and provoke thought, even seven centuries later.
