Philosophical enquiry belongs to the realm of sastras, and scholar and novice alike are wonder-struck by its ocean-like limitlessness and depth. Nevertheless, sages such as Vyasa and many learned preceptors have attempted to churn the sastras with their intellect to analyse and interpret their import, pointed out Sri O. R. Devanathan in a discourse. Vyasa has arranged and classified the Vedas and presented them in an accessible form to the common man. The philosophy of his Brahma Sutra is based on the Upanishads which in turn comprises explanations, discussions, debates, etc, founded on the revelations of seers and rishis steeped in meditation. The Lord Himself has taught the essence of the Upanishads in the Bhagavad Gita. Vedanta Desika makes valid references to the many different texts of acharyas, such as Alavandar and Ramanuja, in the course of his Vedanta vichara. The ultimate essence of their findings is that the highest Purushartha is obtained by merely listening to the Lord’s stories and chanting His names. Andal claims with conviction that Narayana alone can grant salvation: “Narayanane namakke parai tharuvan.” Tirumangai Azhwar is initiated into the glories of ‘Narayana Mantra’ by the Lord Himself. No wonder he sings in ecstasy that this name confers untold benefits to one and all. He urges all to chant this name not only during one’s last days or when one is in distress. It should be chanted at all times, for it can confer only good benefits. It is a panacea for the disease of birth. It is a name easy on one’s lips. There is no chance of a slip or mispronunciation when uttering this name. Should not one realise that by God’s grace one is blessed with the faculty of speech and thought by which he can easily utter this name and seek salvation?
