Bhakti: A Critical Appraisal of Madhusudana Sarasvati by Krishnajee Ayyagari (Author) – MLBD Publications

Madhµusudana Sarasvati was a prominent Advaita philosopher in the post ÝaÆkara period who vehemently upheld Advaita. He was an ardent devotee of Sri K¾¦Äa since his childhood. After a deep study of Advaita, he became convinced of its superiority. He then became a sanyasi and continued his devotion to Sri K¾¦Äa, which is considered an intriguing paradox. Madhusµudana has become a champion in both Advaita and theism. He established Bhakti as an independent means of liberation with scriptural authority. In his exclusive devotional work, BhaktirasŒyana, he introduced a novel concept of Bhakti as a rasa and proclaimed that it was the superior rasa. In addition to that, he also presented rasa as a synonym of Brahman and nanda. He posited that Bhakti and Brahman both culminate in blissful experiences, and Bhakti is essential at all stages of spiritual practices. He dispelled the notion that Advaita is devoid of Bhakti. While only few people of intellectual capability can adopt JÛŒna MŒrga, Madhusµudana, as enlightened personality, felt that everyone has a right to liberation. Bhakti, he declared, can be practiced universally, and one can adopt any path of their choice according to one’s attitude and capability. Madhµusudana’s advice to the common people is to consume the elixir of Bhakti, get rid of life’s maladies, and experience bliss free from even a trace of sorrow.

About the Author

Dr. Krishnajee Ayyagari started his career in the Andhra Pradesh electricity department in 1955 after obtaining an electrical engineering diploma. He improved his qualification and became a member of the Institution of Engineers (India) and a charted engineer. He joined Allahabad Bank as a specialist officer in 1974 and retired in 1996. He is an Associate Member of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance. He has a bachelor’s degree in Law. He has master’s degrees in Public Administration, Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Philosophy and Vedic Astrology.