What are the basic tenants of Srivaishnavam?
The outline of Visistadvaita Shree Vaishnavam is as follows: “Asesha Chitachit Vastu Seshine Sesha Saayine | Nirmalaananta Kalyaana Nidhaye Vishnave Namaha ||” This sloka of Bhagavat Ramanuja (Vedaartha Sangraha) is the essence of our Visistadvaita Shree Vaishnava philosophy and practice. The Tatva-Hita-Purusharthas are beautifully conveyed by this verse. “Chit” denotes the sentient soul – jeevaatman. The Jeevaatman is identified as finite (aNu), sentient (Jgnyaana), unchanging (Satya), blissful (Aananda) nature-reality (Swaroopa). He is thus knowledge-self and also has knowledge (Dharma Bhootha Jgnyaana) as his inseparable attribute. He is Swayam-prakasa meaning knows himself ie., his individuality as he is Jgnyaana swaroopa. He knows other things using his Dharma Bhoota Jgnyaana. Baddha (bound by karma in material world), Muktha (liberated from karma and hence from material world) and Nitya (eternally and ever free from karma) are the three types of Chit. The Chit is eternal and is i
