The Yoga of Sharaṇāgati - Drawing parallels from the Yoga Sutras and Vishistadvaita

Yoga philosophy, aims at achieving union with the divine. Among its various forms, Bhakti Yoga, or the path of devotion, resonates profoundly with the teachings of Ramanujacharya in Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. One central concept in this philosophy is Sharanagati, or complete surrender to God, which aligns closely with the principles laid out in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, particularly in the sutra of Ishvarapranidhana (devotion to God).

Ishvarapranidhana in the Yoga Sutras

In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Ishvarapranidhana is emphasized as a key element of the Niyamas, which are ethical observances necessary for spiritual progress. Sutra 1.23 states:

ईश्वरप्रणिधानाद्वा

Ishvara pranidhanaad va

"Or by devotion to Ishvara (the Supreme Being)."

This sutra suggests that through sincere devotion and surrender to a higher power, one can achieve the ultimate goal of Yoga, which is liberation or Kaivalya. Devotion here is not merely ritualistic but involves a deep, heartfelt surrender, allowing the divine will to guide one's life.

Sharanagati in Vishishtadvaita

Ramanujacharya, a 12th-century theologian and philosopher, is renowned for his exposition of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, a school of thought that posits a qualified non-dualism. In this philosophy, the individual soul (jiva) and the supreme soul (Ishvara) are distinct yet inseparably connected, with God having a personal form.

Sharanagati, or total surrender, is central to Ramanuja’s teachings. It involves acknowledging one’s complete dependence on God and seeking refuge in His grace. This concept is vividly illustrated in the Bhagavad Gita, which greatly influenced Ramanujacharya's thought. In the Gita, Lord Krishna advises:

सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज। अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥

Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja, ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucah

"Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear." (Bhagavad Gita 18.66)

This verse encapsulates the essence of Sharanagati—abandoning egoistic tendencies and relying entirely on divine grace.

Synthesis of Ishvarapranidhana and Sharanagati

The synergy between Ishvarapranidhana and Sharanagati lies in the shared theme of surrender and devotion. Both advocate the relinquishment of individual ego and control in favor of divine will and guidance. In practical terms, this means living a life imbued with humility, service, and love for God.

Ramanujacharya's emphasis on Bhakti and Sharanagati extends the practice of Ishvarapranidhana beyond meditation and into every aspect of life. For practitioners of Vishishtadvaita, daily activities become offerings to the divine, fostering a continuous awareness of God’s presence.

Ramanuja’s commentary on the Bhagavad Gita and his other works, such as the Sri Bhashya, elaborate on the notion of Sharanagati. He explains that surrender is not a one-time act but a continuous process of living in accordance with divine will. This involves cultivating virtues such as humility (Dainya), the understanding of God as the sole protector (Mahavisvasa), and a longing for divine grace (Mahasharana).

Practical Aspects of Sharanagati

Practically, Sharanagati involves the performance of daily rituals, chanting, and prayer, which serve as reminders of one's surrender to God. The practice of prapatti, or self-surrender, in Vishishtadvaita is formalized through five essential acts (angas):

1. Anukulya Sankalpa: Resolve to act according to the will of God.
2. Pratikulya Varjana: Refrain from actions contrary to God's will.
3. Rakshishyati Vishvasa: Firm faith that God will protect.
4. Goptrutva Varanam: Accepting God as the sole guardian.
5. Karpanya: Feeling a sense of humility and helplessness.

These aspects reinforce a devotee’s commitment to live under divine guidance, transforming ordinary life into a continuous act of worship and devotion.

Yoga, through the lens of Ishvarapranidhana, and Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, through Sharanagati, converge on the path of devotion and surrender to the divine. Ramanujacharya’s teachings provide a profound framework for understanding and living these principles. By integrating these philosophies, practitioners can cultivate a deeper connection with the divine, achieving spiritual liberation while leading a life of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith.

The teachings of Ramanujacharya and the practice of Ishvarapranidhana highlight that true surrender is both a destination and a journey. It requires constant remembrance, unwavering faith, and an open heart willing to receive divine grace at every moment. Through this holistic approach, one can navigate the complexities of life with serenity and joy, ever anchored in the divine presence.