Essay name: Sankalpa Suryodaya of Venkatanatha (Critical Study)
Author:
R. Laxmi
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit
This is an English study of the Sankalpa Suryodaya鈥攁n allegorical Sanskrit drama by Venkatanatha, a distinguished philosopher-poet and dramatist of the Vishishtadvaita Vedanta tradition. This work of Venkata-natha (or, Vedanta Deshika). stands out for integrating allegory to convey moral and philosophical truths. The thesis examines its place in Sanskrit literature.
Chapter 4a - Characterisation of the play
26 (of 134)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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towards the end of the seventh Act, Vyavasaya suggests to the king that Puru峁 can
take up his meditation in any one of these forms of incarnations. So that his
meditation definitely yields the desired fruit.
Vyavasaya in the ninth Act, is shown to be submissive though quite
competent to do everything independently in favour of Viveka.
After Viveka's victory Vyavasaya remarks that he and others are merely
instruments in Viveka's hands like the vehicles Viveka rides in each and every
aspect of victory, the principle part is played by his master. 10
Vyavasaya sets the ground well prepared for action to be taken up by Viveka.
He again enters the stage in the ninth Act in order to provide greater confidence to
his master in, the ensuing combat with Mah膩moha. He says emphatically that
'Avidya' has no place in the presence of Viveka and that successful yoga graced by
Sankalpa is sure to make Puru峁 attain Samadhi.
In short, Vyavasaya graced by Sankalpa is indispensable for attainment of
success and salvation. However, there is also sufficient truth in the brief that "Divine
grace will alight only on him who has by his meritorious life and sustained effort,
qualified himself and deserved it." It may be mentioned again that this is like a
golden thread through which the entire play is woven. This aspect is evident by use
of the epithet Vasudeva at the end of the play by the author.
Thus it is evident that whenever Puru峁 being commonly bound by the noose
of karma. He loses right understanding and so he suffers a lot. It is in this context
that Vyavasaya plays his role. He kindles in the Purusa an inclination to acquire
right understanding, which ultimately makes him realise the Lord. With his
penetration into mental furniture of the Puru峁, the forces of king Mah膩moha
gradually falls out. Thus he assures king Viveka winning the final victory in the fight
with king Mah膩moha and his forces. In fine, on the path of Puru峁's realisation of
Highest Truth, Vyavasaya stands out as a torch-bearer.
10.
啶︵啶�, 啶掂く啶� 啶灌た 啶啶掂い啷� 啶掂ぞ啶灌え啶距う啶苦さ啶︵啶啶班ぃ 啶ぞ啶む啶班ぎ啷� 啷�
啶啶班ぞ啶оぞ啶ㄠ啶 啶む 啶膏ぐ啷嵿さ啶む啶� 啶啷嵿い 啶忇さ 啷�
[deva, vaya峁� hi bhagavato v膩han膩divadupakara峁嘺 m膩tram |
pr膩dh膩nya峁� tu sarvatra bhakta eva ||
] S.S. IX, p.749
