Rahasyatraya

By Swami Harshananda

Rahasyatraya literally means ‘the three secrets or mysteries’.

Aspects of Viśiṣṭādvaita

The Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta propagated chiefly by Rāmānuja accepts two basic truths:

1. Tattvatraya - in its theoretical aspect
2. Rahasyatraya - in its practical aspect

Content or Rahasyatraya

The rahasyatraya comprises of three mantras:

1. The aṣṭākṣarī - eight-lettered mantra of Lord Nārāyaṇa
2. The dvaya - a pair of mantras pertaining to Nārāyaṇa and surrendering at his feet
3. The caramaśloka - mantras giving the response of the Lord to the surrendered devotee

These mantras are to be received ceremonially from a competent teacher.

References

• The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore