Question

According to Ramanujacharya, ______ are important for attaining salvation.
A. Devotion and surrender
B. Work and karma
C. Knowledge and surrender
D. Rituals and Karma

Answer 1

Hint: Ramanujacharya was a Hindu philosopher and theologian. He was the propounder of a philosophy called ‘Vishishtadwaita’. Ramanujacharya was one of the most prominent supporters of Vaishnavism. He believed that the path of ‘Saranagati’ (devotion) and ‘Prapatti’ (surrender) are the most efficient ways to attain salvation. When one seeks refuge in the almighty’s feet with utter love and devotion, he automatically becomes a practitioner of the ‘Bhakti Yoga’, which is the higher path to salvation through work (‘karma’) and knowledge (‘jnana’).

Complete step by step answer:
Ramanujacharya was one of the most prominent supporters of Vaishnavism. His philosophy is known as qualified non-dualism or ‘vishishtadwaita’. He has propounded the path of ‘Saranagati’ (devotion) and ‘Prapatti’ (surrender) as the most efficient ways to attain salvation. When one seeks refuge in the almighty’s feet with utter love and devotion, he automatically becomes a practitioner of the ‘Bhakti Yoga’.
‘Bhakti Yoga’ is the higher path to salvation through work (‘karma’) and knowledge (‘jnana’). The paths may seem different; however, they are not mutually exclusive and in the end, both of the paths seek the vision of the Atma. The ultimate knowledge or ‘Jnana’ begins with the understanding that Atma is one’s true identity and not bodily consciousness. Thus, Bhakti Yoga leads to the recognition of the supremacy of the almighty to whom the individual Atma owes eternal allegiance.
So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: Ramanujacharya has propounded the path of ‘Saranagati’ (devotion) and ‘Prapatti’ (work) as the most efficient ways to attain salvation. When one seeks refuge in the almighty’s feet with utter love and devotion, he automatically becomes a practitioner of the ‘Bhakti Yoga’.