Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.28

c16.28

**Rāmānuja.** While Śaṅkara eschews the study of Vedic texts relating to *Dharma* and concentrates on those relating only to *Brahma*, Rāmānuja does not believe in such restriction. His scheme includes a course of study of the whole Veda with its Karma-Kāṇḍa, because he believes that such a study will lead to the knowledge that the results of rituals are uncertain and transient. This disillusionment will be followed naturally by the desire for that which can secure permanent results. Thence arises *brahmajijñāsā*, the earnest quest of Brahman. Thus, in the opinion of Rāmānuja, "the inquiry into the nature of Brahman" may be preceded by a study of Dharma and practice of Vedic rituals so as to rate them at their proper worth and produce a sense of the eternal.