• Date: 10th September 2023
• Time: 3:00 p.m.
• Platform: Zoom Meeting

Organized by: Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts
In Collaboration with: Department of Saiva Siddhantha, Faculty of Hindu Studies

Introduction:

On the 10th of September 2023, a captivating and insightful talk titled “Ramanuja and Vaishnava” was successfully conducted via Zoom. The event was organized by the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, in collaboration with the Department of Saiva Siddhantha, Faculty of Hindu Studies. The distinguished resource person, Mr. P. Sachithanantham, from the Department of Comparative Religion and Social Harmony at Eastern University of Sri Lanka, led the discussion. Emeritus Prof. N. Gnanakumaran, from the Department of Philosophy at the University of Jaffna, served as the coordinator of this enlightening event.

The Talk:

The talk delved deep into the life and teachings of Ramanuja, a prominent philosopher, theologian, and proponent of the Vaishnava tradition. Ramanuja’s contributions to the development and propagation of Vaishnavism were explored in great detail. The presentation covered his historical context, philosophical ideas, and his impact on the Vaishnava community. Mr. P. Sachithanantham’s in-depth knowledge and engaging style of presentation captivated the audience. He elucidated Ramanuja’s key concepts, such as Visishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) and his interpretation of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and the works of earlier Vaishnava theologians. Mr. Sachithanantham also highlighted the relevance of Ramanuja’s teachings in contemporary religious and philosophical dialogues.

Audience Engagement:

The Zoom meeting format allowed for active audience participation. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions, making the session both informative and interactive. Mr. Sachithanantham expertly addressed queries, providing further clarity on various aspects of Ramanuja’s philosophy and its implications.

Coordinator’s Contribution:

Emeritus Prof. N. Gnanakumaran, the coordinator of the event, played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of the talk. His vast experience in the field of philosophy added value to the session. Prof. Gnanakumaran moderated the Q&A session effectively, allowing for a balanced and productive discussion.

Conclusion:

The talk on “Ramanuja and Vaishnava” was a resounding success, attracting a diverse audience of scholars, students, and individuals interested in comparative religion and philosophy. The collaboration between the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Saiva Siddhantha facilitated a multidimensional exploration of Ramanuja’s teachings within the broader context of Hindu philosophy.

The event provided valuable insights into Ramanuja’s contributions to the Vaishnava tradition and sparked meaningful discussions on the relevance of his teachings in today’s world. It showcased the commitment of both the Eastern University of Sri Lanka and the University of Jaffna to promote academic dialogue and foster a deeper understanding of religious and philosophical traditions.

Acknowledgments:

We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. P. Sachithanantham for sharing his expertise, and Emeritus Prof. N. Gnanakumaran for coordinating the event. We extend our sincere regards to Prof.S.Raguram, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna, Mr.S.Padmanaban, Dean, Faculty of Hindu Studies, University of Jaffna, Dr. P.Chandrasegaram, Head, Department of Saiva Siddhantha, Faculty of Hindu Studies, University of Jaffna for their permission and support in conducting this talk. Further, we extend our thanks to Dr.T.Selvamanoharan for his support to conduct this talk.  We also appreciate the participation of all attendees who made this talk a truly enriching experience.