PANCHRATRA
THE LITERATURE OF THE PANCHARATRA
The ancient Pancharatra literature comprises of the Narayanopakhyan, Naradsutra, Shandilya Sutra and Bhagwat Purana. Other than this, there are approximately 108 Pancharatra texts the names of which have been mentioned in the Padma samhita. The texts such as Laxmi Tantra etc. belong to this tradition. Like the Upanishads, the Agams have evolved from the Brahmanas. The followers of Agams have proved that they are ancient and accepted by the Vedas. In this context, there are a number of Upanishads which, unlike the other Upanishads, do not speak of Brahma. On the contrary, they explain and throw light on Vaishnavism. The importance of the analysis of devotion (Shraddha Bhakti) is more than its philosophical analysis of Narad Sutra and Shandilya Sutra. One can come across explanations of philosophical documents in the form of theology in books like Padma Samhita, Laxmi Tantra etc., that is why, these books are of special significance.
PRINCIPALS OF PANCHARATRA
According to Pancharatra philosophy, the Jeeva (the living being) is the small element of Pancharatra (The Supreme Cosmic Energy). This philosophy propogates the thought of the oneness of the Jeeva and the Supreme Cosmic Soul. In this relation, it resembles the Advaita school of philosophy. In this way, the process of the evolution of Sankhya believes in Parinamvaad (Resultism) but refuses to accept the concept of Jeevatma (the living being)in the Pancharatra philosophy. There are 4 categories of the Jeevatmas- liberated,(mukta), Mumukshu(One man's search for truth or Salvation), Baudha (attached to materialism) and Tamasic (attached to sin dreadfully).
The Jeevatma gets liberated and attains knowledge because of the Lord's blessings and pity. Many a Pancharatra text considers that the living being, Jeeva is separated from the supreme cosmic soul. The liberation of the Jeeva here is known as 'Salokya Mukti'. The ancient Pancharatra religion was not oriented towards detachment and renunciation. It has been stated in the Narayanopakhyaan that
PRAVRITTI LAKSHANASHCHAIVA DHARMO NARAYANATMAKAHA
which means Narayaniya dharma is more action oriented and materialistic in outlook. But, later on, one can see that karma (actions) become secondary and bhakti (devotion) assumed importance and came to the forefront. This has been stated in the Narad Sutra and Shandilya Bhakti Sutra.
Firstly, the Sadhaka is advised to indulge in actions according to the scriptures, but for a devotee, actions become secondary. In this way, devotion assumed such an importance that it did not remain merely a means of liberation. On the contrary, devotion became the ultimate aim itself.
Now the devotee lost in his love towards God does not demand liberation, but requests the Lord to bless him with love towards the Lord eternally.
PENANCES INVOLVED IN THE THEORY OF PANCHARATRA
There is no equivalent tool or means mentioned in Vedanta as compared to that in Pancharatra. The form of Yoga explained here is also of a different type. It resembles many a tantric kriyas in the Shaakta dharma. It explains the different chakras (wheels) and energies in the human body and also speaks of the practice and penance which need to be observed to attain a higher state. One also comes across the concepts of building temples and installation of idols in the 'Kriyapada'. The Pancharatra Vaishnavs do not give much importance to the Vedic ritualism.
The followers of the philosophy of Pancharatra are more materialistic and engaged in the worship of God throughout their lives. In this way, there are 5 factors on which light has been thrown in the Pancharatra philosophy-
- Knowledge- philosophy, incantations and tantras.
- Yoga- methodology of practicing meditation.
- Action(kriya)- methods to build temples and idols.
- Charya- vertical mark on the forehead (Urdhrapundra), vows (Vrata), festivals (utsava) related methods.
Shri Ramanujacharya in his book 'Agam-Pramanya' has tried to prove the greatness of the Pancharatra scriptures. He has tried to prove its authenticity by his commentaries on the two sutras of the second stanza of the second chapter of the book 'Brahmasutra'.
After this, Venkatnathadeshikacharya in his book 'Pancharatra Raksha' has comprehensively written and explained the authenticity of Pancharatra. The Vaishnavs give a lot of respect to the priniciples or theories mentioned in its Pancharatra.
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