It is with a feeling of satisfaction that the Academy is placing in the hands of the esteemed public this final volume (Volume IV) of the critical edition of Sribhashyam. The three earlier volumes were released in 1985, 87 and 90 respectively. The present volume covers chapters 3 & 4 of Sribhashyam. While chapter 3 deals with the pathway to the goal of life (Sadhana) the concluding chapter explains the goal itself (Phala).
The exposition of the path towards, and the nature of, final emancipation (Moksha) is a sequel to the explanation of the nature of ultimate reality (tattva) which is the subject of the first two chapters; these chapters were presented in the first three volumes of the series. The present volume has followed the same mode of presentation as the earlier ones.
To say just a word about the objective of the Academy in bringing out the works of Sri Ramanuja in the present series, I may be permitted to quote from an earlier foreword (Volume III):
"The basic aim of the Academy is to offer the principal works of Visistadvaita in authoritative, well-referenced user-friendly edition. The signal contribution of these volumes are in their appendices (which) provide in condensed form all the adjuncts and facilities needed by the scholarly reader. We hope that this series has come up to their expected standards".
It is my pleasure to congratulate Vidwan N.S. Ramabhadra-charya who has led the project throughout, for having completed his onerous responsibility with excellence. My thanks are due to the associate scholars and proof-readers who have co-operated whole-heartedly in completing this project.
The Academy is grateful to the distinguished scholars who, as members of the scrutiny committee have contributed in maintaining the high standards of execution of critical editions.
Prof. M. A. Lakshmithathachar, the Director has guided the team of scholars of the Academy in fulfilling the task of publication of this principal work of Sri Ramanuja. I am beholden to him on behalf of the Academy.
It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction in presenting this final volume of SRIBHASHYAM in the hands of the lovers of Indian philosophy. The first volume of this work was published in 1985 and the subsequent volumes were released later. The fourth and final volume is published in 1991.
The philosophy of Upanisads is beautifully treated by Ramanuja in his magnum opus SRIBHASHYAM which is written as a commentary on the Brahmasutras of Badarayana. This philosophy was later termed as Visistadvaita or Savisesadvaita by his followers. In the first three volumes consisting of chapters 1 and 2, the concept of Brahman is brought out in a succinct manner dispelling all the doubts regarding its nature and attributes. In this fourth volume, the third and the fourth chapters which expound the Sadhana and Phala respectively are covered.
In Sadhanadhyaya the means to attain salvation viz., Bhakti finds a clear exposition. The pathway to redemption (Sadhana) is gaining the knowledge of Him through intense devotion (Bhakti) as illustrated in chapter 3.
Chapter 4-Phaladhyaya exemplifies the ultimate goal of life (purusartha) stating that the path of the devout as discussed earlier leads to final emancipation-Moksha. The nature of Moksha that was propounded earlier in chapter 1 is elaborated in this concluding chapter. Thus, according to Ramanuja, knowledge of God which culminates in the experience of enternal ecstacy by enjoying life in Brahman here and hereafter, can be attained through intense devotion (paramabhakti).
I am grateful indeed to the team of scholars who have put in sincere efforts in editing, scrutinising and seeing the work through the press. Thanks are due to Vidwan N. S. Ramabhadracharya who completed preparation of the book in manuscript form and Vidwan N. S. Janardanacharya for the proof reading.
I am indebted to our President Sri M. A. S. Rajan for his timely advice in running the administration and to all the members of the Managing Committee for their guidelines in running this research organisation on right lines. I express my sincere thanks to the Secretary, Sri Gururaj, who worked upto March 191 and to Sri N. R. Venkatesh, Secretary of the Academy since April '91 and Commissioner for Religious and Charitable Endowments in Karnataka State. I am indeed thankful to M/s. Vivek Printers of Mysore for their good printing work.
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