He was an advocate of Vishishtadvaita or qualified oneness .He believed in Vishnu and believed in him for salvation.He taught that Vishnu in his grace helps the devotee to attain bliss of union with him. He taught the soul united with Supreme God remain distinct.

Ramanuja and His Teachings

Ramanuja was a prominent Hindu philosopher and theologian who lived during the 11th and 12th centuries in South India. He is considered one of the most important exponents of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, which worships Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity. Ramanuja's teachings have had a profound influence on the philosophy, religious practices, and social structure of Hinduism. Let us explore some of the key teachings of Ramanuja.

1. Vishishtadvaita Philosophy:
Ramanuja's philosophy, known as Vishishtadvaita, emphasizes the concept of qualified non-dualism. According to this philosophy, the individual souls (jivas) and the supreme soul (Brahman) are distinct entities, but they are also inseparable. Ramanuja believed that the ultimate goal of human life is to attain moksha (liberation) by realizing the divine relationship between the individual soul and the supreme soul.

2. Bhakti as the Path to Liberation:
Ramanuja emphasized the importance of bhakti (devotion) as the primary means to attain liberation. He believed that surrendering oneself to the supreme deity through loving devotion and service is the most effective way to attain union with God and transcend the cycle of birth and death. Ramanuja encouraged his followers to engage in various devotional practices such as prayer, chanting, and meditation to develop a deep connection with the divine.

3. Equality and Inclusivity:
Ramanuja strongly advocated for social equality and inclusivity in religious practices. He rejected the notion of caste-based discrimination and emphasized that devotion and spiritual progress should not be limited by social or caste distinctions. Ramanuja actively worked towards dismantling social barriers and welcomed people from all backgrounds into the fold of Vaishnavism.

4. The Concept of Prapatti:
Ramanuja introduced the concept of prapatti, which means self-surrender or complete surrender to the divine. He taught that by surrendering to the supreme deity, one can attain liberation and eternal bliss. Prapatti involves complete trust in God's grace and the relinquishment of one's ego and desires.

5. Emphasis on Scriptures and Rituals:
Ramanuja placed great importance on the study and understanding of sacred texts, particularly the Vedas and the Pancharatra Agama. He believed that the scriptures provide valuable guidance for leading a righteous life and attaining spiritual growth. Ramanuja also emphasized the significance of rituals and sacraments in the path of devotion.

In conclusion, Ramanuja's teachings revolved around the concepts of qualified non-dualism, devotion, equality, self-surrender, and the importance of scriptures. His philosophy has had a lasting impact on Vaishnavism and continues to inspire millions of followers to this day.