DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.611#0173
RAMANAND.
127
those doctrines, which, through his disciples, have done
so much to gather out many sects known as Vaishnavas.
These sects identify themselves largely with the wor-
ship of Vishnu under his incarnation as Ram, and Ram's
wife and brother, Sita and Lakshman.
Apparently Raminand flourished about the 14th
century. About his exact date there is much difference
of opinion.
Ramanuj had broken away from the severely logical
and metaphysical Adwaitism of Shankarcicharya, and
had infused a measure of warmth into worship and life
by his teachings concerning the personality of God, and
man's distinct though dependent existence. Ramanand
carried this teaching further, and by making Ram the
object of devotion and worship, sought to purify and
quicken the religious lives of the masses. The long
line of Ramanand's disciples has helped materially to
direct the religious life of India into healthier channels
than the worship of Radha-Krishna and Mahadeva,
which have done so much to debase India.
Ramanand probably did much to break down the
severe restrictions of caste, at least among the Reli-
gious Orders founded by him or his successors. The
doctrine of " Bhakti " (love of, and devotion to, God),
is made much of, is made the essential thing in religion,
including love of man, and a good life. Apparently
Ramanand was not a great writer, though it is said that
hymns attributed to him are still current.
Notice of Ramanand's connection (or reputed con-
nection) with Kabir Das will be noticed under the sketch
of Kabir's life.
As far as I know, there is no building in Benares
pointed out as having been the residence of Ramanand,
but there is a small covered platform (marht), just above
the river at Panchganga Ghat, in which, on a raised
127
those doctrines, which, through his disciples, have done
so much to gather out many sects known as Vaishnavas.
These sects identify themselves largely with the wor-
ship of Vishnu under his incarnation as Ram, and Ram's
wife and brother, Sita and Lakshman.
Apparently Raminand flourished about the 14th
century. About his exact date there is much difference
of opinion.
Ramanuj had broken away from the severely logical
and metaphysical Adwaitism of Shankarcicharya, and
had infused a measure of warmth into worship and life
by his teachings concerning the personality of God, and
man's distinct though dependent existence. Ramanand
carried this teaching further, and by making Ram the
object of devotion and worship, sought to purify and
quicken the religious lives of the masses. The long
line of Ramanand's disciples has helped materially to
direct the religious life of India into healthier channels
than the worship of Radha-Krishna and Mahadeva,
which have done so much to debase India.
Ramanand probably did much to break down the
severe restrictions of caste, at least among the Reli-
gious Orders founded by him or his successors. The
doctrine of " Bhakti " (love of, and devotion to, God),
is made much of, is made the essential thing in religion,
including love of man, and a good life. Apparently
Ramanand was not a great writer, though it is said that
hymns attributed to him are still current.
Notice of Ramanand's connection (or reputed con-
nection) with Kabir Das will be noticed under the sketch
of Kabir's life.
As far as I know, there is no building in Benares
pointed out as having been the residence of Ramanand,
but there is a small covered platform (marht), just above
the river at Panchganga Ghat, in which, on a raised