The Brilliance of Madhwa Philosophy

• Original: Vid.Shrinivasa Bhatta, Bommarabettu
• Translation: Varun K V

On a dark night, completely void of moonlight, Acharya Madhwa was giving a sermon. Then, suddenly a bright light filled the dark sky. Everyone present there was astonished. They were puzzled trying to decipher the origin of the light. At that moment, Acharya clarified that the brilliance was not moonlight. He stated that it was the radiance of Lord Shesha and drew the attention of the gathering towards Lord Shesha who was passing by. This incident has been recorded in the literary work, ‘Bhaava Prakaashika’ as follows:

vichandrAyAm kShapAyAm tu chandrikAbhramiNO janAh |
shEShasaya tEjasyatha tam yAmtam madhwO vyadarshayat ||

Lord Shesha had arrived there along with the sage Sanaka and others, to listen to Acharya’s sermon. After Lord Shesha left for his abode, sage Sanaka and others visited him there. They questioned Lord Shesha as to what benefits would accrue to those who understand the Madhwa philosophy. It is to be noted that the sages posed this question despite being well aware of the benefits of the same for the sole purpose of enlightening the world.

Lord Shesha clarified the following to the sage Sanaka and his associates: “For those who understand Madhwa philosophy well, the ultimate goal desired by all satvik souls, innate happiness bereft of sorrow, the eternal abode of Narayana viz., moksha would be attained.” This is because Acharya has given exposition of Lord Hari as the provider of moksha in all of his works. According to an excerpt from the Upanishad, “tam yathA yathA upAsatE tadEva bhavati”, if the Supreme Lord is worshipped as the provider of moksha, then He will definitely become the provider of moksha.

Thus, let us all strive to continuously immerse ourselves in the philosophy of Acharya Madhwa.

The divine scene of Lord Shesha along with sage Sanaka and his associates, listening to Acharya Madhwa’s sermon adorns the cover page of this edition.

Varun Krishnam Vijaya