Sri Vaishnavism, rooted in the Vishishtadvaita Vedanta Darshana, is a major philosophical and devotional tradition within Hinduism. This school of Vedanta was systematized by the revered theologian and philosopher Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE) and further developed by his followers. A key aspect of spiritual practice in Sri Vaishnavism is the knowledge of ‘Artha Panchaka’ or the Five Truths. These truths are considered essential for the sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) or mumukshu (seeker of liberation) to understand and internalize for a proper perspective on sadhana (spiritual practice).
The Five Truths are as follows:
- Prapya (That which is to be obtained): This refers to Ishvara or God, the ultimate goal and object of devotion.
- Praptir (One who obtains): This is the jiva or individual soul, the aspirant seeking union with God.
- Upaya (The means of achieving God): These are the methods or practices that facilitate the attainment of God.
- Praptivirodhi (That which obstructs attainment of God): These are obstacles that hinder spiritual progress and the attainment of divine union.
- Prapti (Attaining the highest): This denotes the ultimate realization and union with God.
The aspirant is expected to understand the ‘svarupa’ or inherent nature of these five truths, which are sometimes described in more detail as:
- Parasvarupa: The nature of the highest (God).
- Svasvarupa: The nature of the self (individual soul).
- Upaya-svarupa: The nature of the means (methods of attainment).
- Virodhisvarupa: The nature of obstacles (hindrances to spiritual progress).
- Purushartha-svarupa: The nature of the ends of human endeavor (ultimate goals).
Manifestations of God
In Sri Vaishnavism, God (who is ‘para’ and ‘prapya’) is believed to manifest in five forms:
- Para: The highest form in Vaikuntha, the supreme abode.
- Vyuhas: Emanations such as Sankarshana.
- Vibhava: Incarnations like Rama and Krishna.
- Archa: Icons or deities worshipped in temples.
- Antaryamin: The indwelling spirit within each being.
Categories of Jivas (Individual Souls)
Jivas, the seekers of God, are categorized into five groups:
- Nityas: The eternally free souls.
- Muktas: The liberated souls.
- Baddhas: The bound souls, still entangled in the cycle of birth and death.
- Kevalas: The self-realized souls.
- Mumukshus: Those who are desirous of liberation.
Recommended Upayas (Means)
The recommended upayas or means to achieve God include:
- Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge.
- Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion.
- Prapatti: Surrender to and dependence on the grace of God.
- Acaryabhimana: Surrender to and faith in the preceptor or spiritual teacher.
Obstacles to Spiritual Attainment (Praptivirodhi)
Some of the obstacles that hinder spiritual attainment include:
- Identifying the body with the soul due to ignorance.
- Disbelief in divine incarnations.
- Pursuit of worldly pleasures to the exclusion of divine grace.
- Actions that offend God.
- Insulting devotees of God.
Ultimate Realization (Prapti)
In the highest sense, prapti means living with God in the world of Vaikuntha, engaging in eternal service to Him.
Artha Panchaka by Pillai Lokacharya
The concept of Artha Panchaka is also elaborated in a renowned work titled "Arthapanchaka" by Pillai Lokacharya (1264–1327 CE), a prominent theologian and the founder of the Tengalai (Southern) school of the Sri Vaishnava movement. His contributions have greatly influenced the understanding and practice of Sri Vaishnavism, emphasizing the importance of these five truths in the spiritual journey.