Ramanuja and his message to the world

The best quality of a human being is being human. We become human by conduct and values. More so when we cease to be selfish.
A good heart thinks like a universal citizen and believe in universal love.

Take the life history of Shri. Ramanuja, the great vaishnava Aachaaryan, whose 1000th birth centenary is celebrated this year. During his early days, one Thirukachi Nambi directed him to approach Thirukoshtiyur Nambi, a sage, to learn the sacred ashtakshra, the eight letter sacred mantra. Ramanuja was living at Srirangam. But Thirukoshtiyur near Sivagangai housed Thirukoshtiyur Nambi. Ramanuja travelled from Srirangam to Thirukoshtiyur by bare foot. Not once or twice. He walked the forests and barren lands for 18 times. In all the seventeen visits when Ramanuja knocked the doors of Thirukoshtiyur Nambi the voice from the closed doors would ask; "Who is this?"
Ramanuja would quip;
"I am Rananujam from Srirangam.' The door won't be opened. Ramanuja would return disappointed. On the 18th visit when the same question was posed, Ramanuja realised his blunder and said politely: 'Adiyen, Dasan, Ramanujan'. That means Ramanuja  shelved his ego and claimed to be the Dasan of the Guru. Pleased on his modesty sans ego, Thirukoshtiyur Nambi taught him the sacred eight letter mantra: "OM NAMO NARAYANA". But he imposed a condition to Ramanuja stating that he would have to die if he does not keep it highly confidential. 

You know what Ramanuja had done? He went to the Vishnu Temple nearby, climbed atop the tower and proclaimed the eight letter mantra to all.  Thirukoshtiyur Nambi was infuriated for the mantra was made public. When reprimanded Ramanuja told him that he would prefer to die than to deny the benefits of the holy mantra to the whole world. Feeling happy on his selflessness and spiritual wisdom, Thirukoshtiyur Nambi gave him the title of Yemperuman.

His life is a mission and lesson to the mankind. Our life is not meant for ourselves alone. We have a social responsibilty. Let us not be selfish in keeping the wealth, material as well as intellectual, confined to a small circle. Let us imbibe the great values of the Statesmen, Spiritual Gurus and Leaders from all parts of the world in the minds of the young generation and restore the glory of mankind.

Have a Good day!