1. Note from the Editor

Dear Bhagavatas,

WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. MAY THE LORD SHOWER HIS CHOICEST BLESSINGS ON ALL OF US IN 1997 AND THE YEARS TO COME.

Hope you have been investing your valuable time in reading the postings made so far. If, for any reason, any of you could not do so, we would implore you to spare some time for going through the postings at least now. We can have an opportunity to discuss at the Buffalo meet on the matters covered, so that the presentation can be fine tuned and made error-free.

A close review of the materials so far would provide answers for many many questions and doubts in the minds of genuine seekers of the philosophy contained in our Siddhanta.

We do not claim that all possible questions have been answered or even those that have been answered are to your entire satisfaction. We do not claim that the presentation covers everything and leaves out nothing. Nor do we claim that we have presented anything new or more profound than what you Bhagavatas already know.

At best, it has been a feeble attempt to bring together in one place the most important and basic information that is as comprehensive and at the same time as concise as possible, - THE BAREST MINIMUM A GENUINE SRIVAISHNAVA OUGHT TO KNOW.

If there is any merit, it goes to the credit of our Acharyas at whose feet I acquired a smattering of the subject. All defects, errors, omissions and defects are entirely mine and I seek your forbearance.

Daosham
Anbil Ramaswamy

2. A Summing up of the postings
so far from "Hinduism Rediscovered" (HR) and Swami Desika's Rahasya Traya Saram (RTS)

Dear Bhagavatas,
I. If you have followed closely the postings, you will be able to answer as many as over 250 questions as indicated below :-

HR Preliminary
1. What are the salient and distinguishing features of Hinduism ?
2.Name a few Non- Indian, Non- Hindu authors who have done research on Religion in general and Hinduism in particular?
3. What eminent scholars like Renou, Max Muller, Heinrich Zimmer, Nehru, Organ, Toyenbee,Hegel and others say about Hinduism?
4. Name a few scriptural and other texts on which our Siddhanta is based?

HR Chapter 1. What is Religion?
5. Explain what is Religion, where, when and how it originated and more importantly, Why religion?
6.. Explain how Tapatraya and Desire are the keys to the development of Religion?

HR Chapter 2. Religion vis-a-vis History, Science, Mathematics, Atheism and Secularism
7. Explain how Religion scores where History has failed?
8 Establish where Religion and Science converge and where they diverge? 9.Explain how Religion operates within its own mathematical formulae?
10. How does Religion triumph over Atheism?
11. How is Secularism a misleading concept?

HR Chapter3. Sources of Knowledge
12. What are the sources of knowledge?
13. Define the relative roles of Pratyaksham, Aindriyakam, Anumanam, Upamanam, Pramanam and Sampradayam in providing knowledge? The Sruti Texts
14.Distinguish between Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads?
15. Distinguish between Veda, Sruti, Nigama and Amnaya?
16. What do the 4 Vedas talk about?
17. Name the Celestial, Atmospheric and Terrestrial and other Gods mentioned in the Rig, Sama and Yajur Vedas?
18. Distinguish between Sukla Yajur Veda and Krishna Yajur Veda?
19. State how the Gods mentioned in the Atharva Veda differ from those mentioned in the other 3 Vedas?
20. What are Brahmanas and what do they talk about?
21. What are Aranyakas and what do they talk about? 2
2. What is meant by Upanishads?
23. Name the 10 major Upanishads?
24. Name a few supplementary Upanishads?
25."Thus Spake the Upanishads" - What each Upanishad speaks of? Smriti Texts.
26.What do you understand by the term "Smritis" and how do they differ from "Srutis"?
27. What are the 18 Smritis recognized in the Bavishya Purana?
28. What do you understand by the term "Itihasa"?
29. Name the 7 cantos of Srimad Valmiki Ramayana and state what each deals with?
30.Name some of the works based on Ramayana?
31.Name the 18 Parvas of Srimad Mahabharata and state in brief what each of the Parvas deal with?
32. Name the 18 Chapters of Bhagavad Gita and state briefly what each Chapter deals with?
33.What do you understand by the term "Purana"?
34.What are the essential subjects a Purana is required to address?
35. Name the 18 Maha Puranas ?
36. Name the 18 Upa Puranas?
37.How are Puranas classified into Satvika, Rajasa and Tamasa Puranas?
38. What do you understand by the term "Agamas"?
39.What are the various kinds of Agamas and what do they deal with?
40. Bring out the essential differences between Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa Agamas?
41. What do you understand by the term "Nibhandas"?
42. Name the 64 Kalas (Chatus-Shashti-Kalas) mentioned in our scriptures?
43.What do you understand by the term "Vidyas"?
44. How do these Vidyas differ from Vidyas that form part of Bhakti yoga?
45. Name a few Vidyas and give examples of works under each?
46. What do you understand by the term "Darsana"?
47. What are "Nastika Darsanas" and what do they preach?
48. What are "Astika Darsanas"?
49. Describe the 6 major schools of Astika Darsana and what do they preach?
50. What do you understand by the term " Sastra"?
51. Name a few Sastras with examples of works under each?
52. What do you understand by the term "Vedanga"?
53. What are the 6 Vedangas and state briefly what each of them deals with?
54. What are the difficulties encountered in Astrological predictions?
55. What is a "Mantra"?
56. Name the 14 kinds of "Mantrajapa" and what are they used for?
57. Can you spell the names of the Mantras with their Rishis, Chandas, Devatas and Viniyogas employed in your Nitya Karma Anushtana?
58. Name a few Chandas ( Meters) and state how they are differentiated?

HR4:Religion and Language and Ch.5 Origin & development of Hinduism not presented so far HR Chapter 6 What is God?
59. What are the Characteristics of "Brahman"?
60. Describe how these characteristics of Brahman are revealed with reference to Icha- Desire?
61. -do- with reference to Chitta- Wisdom?
62. -do- with reference to Kriya- Action?
63. -do- with reference to Sath- Being?
64. -do- with reference to Chit- Knowledge?
65. -do- with reference to Satyam- Truth?
66. -do- with reference to Soundaryam- Beauty?
67. -do- with reference to Anandam- Happiness?
68. -do- with reference to Kaala- Time?
69.-do- with reference to Desa- Space?
70. -do- with reference to Prakriti- Matter?
71. How do Upanishads clarify " What is God"? HR Chapter 7 Who is God?
72. Distinguish between DharmI Butha Gnana and DharamA Butha Gnana?
73. What do you understand by the term "Chetana"?
74. Describe the various categories of Chetanas?
75. What are the characteristics of Chetanas?
76. What do you understand by the term "Achetana"?
77. Describe the various categories of Achetanas?
78. Describe the process of "Pancheekaranam"?
79. What do you understand by the term "Kaala"?
80. What is the function of Kaala in Nitya Vibhuti and Leela Vibhuti of the Lord?
81. What do you understand by the term " Suddha Satva"?
82. Distinguish between "Satvaguna" and "Suddha Satvam"?
83. Who is Iswara?
84. Explain the "Sarira- Sariri" relationship?
85. What constitutes "Sarira"?
86. What do you understand by "Svarupa Nirupaka Dharmas"?
87. What do you understand by " Nirupita Svarupa Viseshanas"?
88. Name a few examples of the two categories mentioned above?
89. What are the 9 kinds of relationships of Jeevatma and Paramatma which Pillai Lokacharya describes?

HR Chapter 8: Where is God?
90. Where is God?
91.Explain in brief the 5 abodes of God mentioned in our scriptures?
92. Distinguish between "Nitya Vibhuti" and "Leela Vibhuti"?
93. Describe the "Param" abode of the Lord and name at least 25 of the Nitysuris there?
94. Why the Omnipotent Lord is said to possess numerous weapons?
95. What do you understand by "Vyuham" abode of the Lord?
96. Name the Vyuha murtis and the distinctions as between them?
97. What are the names of "Upavyuhas" or "Vyuhantaras"?
98. What do you understand by the term "Vibhavam"?
99. What do you understand by the term "Antaryami"?
100. Name the various categories of Archamurtis and bring out the distinctions as between them?
101. Give a few examples of the various categories of Archa murtis mentioned above?
102. How does Pillai Lokacharya compare the 5 abodes of the Lord?

HR Chapter 9. The Descending God
103.What is the rationale behind Avatars? 104. Why should God take an Avatar?
105. Name the 10 major Avatars?
106. Describe in brief the story of Matsya Avatar?
107. -do-                             Koorma Avatar?
108. -do-                             Varaha Avatar?
109. -do-                             Nrisimha Avatar?
110. -do-                             Vamana Avatar?
111. -do-                             Parasurama Avatar?
112. -do-                              Rama Avatar?
113. -do-                              Balarama Avatar?
114. -do-                              Krishna Avatar?
115. -do-                              Kalki Avatar?
116. Distinguish between "Avatara" and "Poorna Avatara"?
117. Distinguish between Avatara by "Avesa" and by " Anupravesa"?
118.Name a few Auxilary Avataras?

HR Chapter 10. The Condescending God.
119. What is "Vigraha Aradhana"?
120. Explain the rationale behind Idol worship?
121. Describe the concept of "Ishta Devata"?
122. Why do we imagine God in a human form?
123. Why do we imagine God as a male and not as a female?
124. Why do we imagine God as the Lord?
125. Explain how attitude is more important than ritual?

HR Ch.11.Karma, Ch.12.Purusharta, Ch.13.Sanatana Dharma, Ch.14. Varanasrama Dharma and Ch.15. Triguna and Ahara Niyama not presented so far HR Chapter 16 Yoga

Yoga in general
126. What do you understand by the term "Yoga"?
127. What are the defects in mundane matters recognized in our scriptures?
128. " Body is like a temple"- Explain how?
129. What is "Pranayama"?
130. What is the importance of Pranayama?
131. Describe the process of Pranayama?
132. Speech and Silence- How do they influence Pranayama?
133. Is it possible to Control mind? If so, how? Raja Yoga and Hata Yoga
134. Describe Raja Yoga?
135. Describe the process of "Kundalini" in Yoga?
136. Describe "Hata Yoga"?
137. Distinguish between Raja Yoga and Hata Yoga?
138. What are the risks associated with Hata Yoga?
139. What are the "Ashta Maha Siddhis"?
140. Name a few other Siddhis?

Karma Yoga
141. What do you understand by "Karma Yoga"?
142. Distinguish between "Karma" and "KarmaYoga"?
143. What are the actions that constitute "Punya Karmas"?
144. Distinguish between "Nitya Karmas", Naimittika Karmas" and "Kaamya Karmas"?
145. Distinguish between "Ajna Kainkarya" and "Anujna Kainkarya"?
146. What is the importance of water rites associated with Nitya and Naimittika Karmas?
147. Cite a few examples to show how a "Karma Yogi" should conduct himself?
148. Do Nishkamya Karmas go without any results? if not, what results ensue from such Karmas?

Gnana Yoga
149. What do you understand by the term "Gnana Yoga"?
150. Distinguish between a Gnani and an Agnani?
151. What are the "Atmagunas" that set apart a Gnani according to Bhagavad Gita?

HR Chapter 17 Bhakti Yoga
152. What is "Bhakti"?
153. Give a few examples to show how a Bhakta would conduct himself?
154. Elucidate the statement-" Karma is divine justice; Bhakti is divine grace"
155. Describe the various "Asanas" in "Tiruvaradana" which a Bhakta performs?
156. Describe the disciplines of "Ashtanga Yoga"?
157. State how Bhakti has been classified according to "Gunas"?
158. State how Bhakti has been classified according to emotions?
159. State how Bhakti has been classified according to "Bhavas"?
160. State how Bhakti has been classified according to degree of intensity?
161. Identify the 32 Vidyas that form part of Bhakti Yoga?
162. List the names of a few devotees of the Lord?

HR Chapter 18: PRAPATTI (from Rahasya Traya Sara of Swami Desika)
163. What do you understand by the term "Prapatti"? Guru Parampara Saram
164. Trace the Guru Parampara from Lord Narayana to the present day Pontiffs?

Adhikara 1: Upotkada Adhikara
165. Illustrate the importance of the "Guru"? Adhikara 2: Sara Nishkarsha Adhikara:
166. Distinguish between Asara, Alpasara. Sara, Saratara and Saratama? Adhikara 3. Pradana Pratitantra Adhikara:
167.What is the most important and distinctive doctrine of our Siddhanta?

Adhikara 4. Artha Panchaka Adhikara:
168. What are the 5 things that should be known by one desiring Moksha? Adhikara 5. Tattva Traya Chintana Adhikara:
169. What are the 3 Verities? Adhikara6. Paradevata Paramartya Adhikara:
170. Who is THE Paramatma? Adhikara 7. Mumukshutva Adhikara
171. How does one become desirous of Moksha? Adhikara 8. Adhikari Vibhaga Adhikara
172. Classify persons qualified for Moksha? Adhikara 9. Upaya Vibhaga Adhikara
173. Classify the means for attaining Moksha?
174. Bring out the essential differences between Bhakti and Prapatti? Adhikara 10. Prapatti Yogyata Adhikara
175. How does one become fit for Prapatti? Adhikara 11. Parikara Vibhaga Adhikara
176. Describe the 5 Angas or accessories of Prapatti? Adhikara 12. Sangaprapana Adhikara
177. Describe the preliminaries for doing Prapatti Adhikara 13. Krita Kritya Adhikara
178. Describe the one who has done what ought to be done? Adhikara 14 Svanishta Abignana Adhikara
179. How can a Prapanna ascertain by Svanishta, Upayanishta and Purushartanishta that he has developed the proper state of evolution? Adhikara 15. Uttara Kritya Adhikara
180. How should one conduct oneself after performing Prapatti? Adhikara 16. Purusharta Kashta Adhikara
181. What is farthest limit in seeking the goal through Prapatti? Adhikara 17. Sastriya Nayamana Adhikara
182. What are the injunctions ordained by the Sastras which a Prapanna should observe? Adhikara 18. Aparada Parihara Adhikara
183. Describe how the sins of a Prapanna get obliterated? Adhikara 19. Stana Visesha Adhikara
184. What are the places suitable for a Prapanna to reside? HR Ch.19 At death and After death Adhikara 20 Niryana Adhikara
185. Describe the manner of departure of the soul? 186. Is it correct to say that Antima Smriti is not necessary for a Prapanna? Adhikara 21. Gathi Visesha Adhikara
187. Trace the road map "From Here to Eternity" for the Prapanna in his final journey to Moksha? Adhikara 22 Paripurna Brahmanubhava Adhikara
188. Describe what is meant by "full and perfect enjoyment' of a Prapanna on reaching Paramapada?
189. What are the exclusive domain of the Lord which Prapanna cannot wield?
Adhikara 18 Prapatti (Continued)
190. Differentiate between Saloka, Sarupya, Sameepya and Sayujya? Adhikara 23. Explain the one means that is pre-existing?
191. If God is the one to grant Moksha, why should a Chetana adopt any means at all?
192. Why should not God direct everyone to adopt the Upaya?
193. How is it that God who is blemishless and beyond sorrow is said to feel sorry on seeing the suffering of humanity?
194.If God is really so compassionate, why should he not solve all problems of humanity and make everyone happy?
195. If God is all-knowing and knows our sins and is all-powerful to punish us, how can we expect him to grant us Moksha at all? 196. Since a Prapanna is said to have done what ought to be done, why should he perform Nitya and Naimittika Karmas?
197. Does it mean that just because one has done Prapatti, one is automatically entitled to Moksha and how does God come into the picture?
198. As God is like a mother who feeds her baby without the baby having to do anything, why should a Chetana at all do Prapatti? 199. When it is the Lord who grants Moksha, how does Goddess Lakshmi come into the picture?
200. How do you reconcile the absence of any reference to the Goddess in the scriptures and her being spoken of as Upaya and Upeya along with the Lord?
201. Is there any prohibition in worshipping Goddess in her "Adhikara Archa" form?
Adhikara 24. Sadhyopaya Sodana Adhikara
202. How Bhakti which is difficult to follow and Prapatti which is easier to follow could result in the same benefit of Moksha?
203. It is said that a Prapanna is assured of not only Moksha but also all material benefits. In real life situations, however, we see several Prapanna not securing material benefits. Why is this so?
204. If Bhaktiyoga is difficult to practice, why should it be prescribed in the first place?
205. Describe the daily routine for a Prapanna? Adhikara 25. Prabhava Vyavasta Adhikara
206. Does one born in a lower caste get upgraded to a higher caste by performing Prapatti?
207. It is said by some that God actually relishes the sins of a Prapanna like a cow that licks the dirt on the body of its calf. Is this correct?
208. It is said by some that a Prapanna is so holy that even his spittle is holy. Is this correct?
209. It is said by some that whatever a Prapanna says should be regarded as gospel truth. Is this view correct? Adhikara 26. Prabhava Raksha Adhikara
210. What should we do when we come across a Bhagavata who is found not following the Sastric injunctions strictly?
211. Why do Prapannas also suffer like Non-prapannas?
212. Explain the components of "Samasrayanam"?
213. Can a person who has not had Samasrayanam at all or is lacking in one of the components thereof expect to secure Moksham by merely performing Prapatti?
214. How can you tell a true Bhagavata from a fake one and what should we do when we find out that one is a fake? Adhikara 27Moola Mantra Adhikara,  Adhikara Ch28. Dvaya Adhikara and  Adhikara Ch. 29. Charamasloka Adhikara not presented so far. Adhikara 30. Acharya Kritya Adhikara
215. To whom an Acharya SHOULD NOT reveal the Mantra?
216. To whom an Acharya SHOULD reveal the Mantras?
217. What truths does an Acharya reveal to the Sishya while performing Prapatti? Adhikara 31. Sisya Kritya Adhikara
218. What are the duties of a Sishya?
Adhikara 32. Nigamana Adhikara
219. How does Swami Desika sum up the Rahasya Traya Sara?
220. What guarantee is there that a person performing Prapatti is sure to secure Moksha at the end of this life as claimed? Is there any proof?
221. It is said that if any sin is committed by a Prapanna, it would accrue and affect the Acharya who performed Prapatti on his behalf. Is it not that such a Prapanna makes the Acharya the whipping boy?
222. In the modern day hectic life and struggle for survival can one be too meticulous about observing the stipulations of dharmic duties like Saligrama Aradana?
223. Can we use Stainless steel for Aradana? Likewise can we use Paper plates etc? Can we avoid socializing including as it does imbibing liquor and sometimes even meat etc?
224. If Sriman Narayana is THE Paramatma, how come the names of other deities are found mentioned in various Karma anushtanas?
225. In the ultimate analysis, what is essential for a Prapanna? HR 21. Evolution and Dissolution of Time- Space- Matter Triad not presented so far

II. Those who have followed closely the earlier postings in Bhakti Digest would be able to answer the following further questions. HR Chapter22. Intra Religious Distinctions
226. Who founded the 3 streams of Vedantic philosophy of Advaita, Dvaita and Visishtadvaita?
226. Mention a few passages from scriptures in support of each? Compare the main points of differences between the 3 streams with reference to-
227. on Non duality?
228. on Nirguna, Nirvisesha, Niravayava, Nirakara Brahman?
229. on the concept of Maya (Illusion)?
230. on the phenomenal world's transitoriness?
231. on Truth emerging from untruth?
232. on dreams being real or unreal?
233. on Jeevan Mukti?
234. What are the 5 distinctive beliefs of Dvaitam?
235. Bring out the differences between Dvaitam and Visishtadvaitam?
236. Bring out the common grounds as between the 3 streams?
237. Bring out the distinctions between Vadakalai and Tenkalai schools in Visishtadvaitam?

HR Chapter 23. Alwars and Acharyas
238. Briefly trace the life stories of the 12 Alwars?
239. Name the works authored by the 12 Alwars?
240. How come that Ramanuja Nootrantadi is reckoned along with the Arulicheyals of Alwars even though he was NOT one of the Alwars?
241. Briefly trace the life stories of Acharyas from Nathamuni to the present day pontiffs along with works authored by each?
242. Narrate a few noteworthy incidents in the life of Natha Muni?
243. Narrate a few noteworthy incidents in the life of Yamuna Muni?
244. Narrate a few noteworthy incidents in the life of Ramanuja Muni?
245. Narrate a few noteworthy incidents in the life of Swami Vedanta Desika?

HR Chapter 24. O! My God!
246. State how the scriptures from Vedas and other Pramanas aver that Sriman Narayana is THE Paramatma and NONE other can be so?
247. Illustrate how the very statements of other deities like Siva and Brahma confirm the fact that Sriman Narayana is THE Paramatma?
248.Illustrate how unambiguously Appayya Dikshatar, Aadhi Sankaracharya, Paramacharya of Kanchi Sankara Mutt down to Jayendra Saraswati confirm the fact that Sriman Narayana is THE Paramatma?
249. Why in spite of devastating proofs, people worship the other petty deities and what are we expected to do about it?
250. How would you tell a genuine Acharya from fake Gurus and how would you guard against the latter?

Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy