KN

 A

Here’s a bullet-point gist of key quotes and ideas from Karma Nirnaya of Madhvacharya by Abhilash Rajendran:

• Nature of the Work

  • Karma Nirnaya is a commentary on part of the Aitareya Brahmana of the Vedas.

  • It is an independent monograph by Madhvacharya, categorized as a prakarana grantha (ancillary work).

  • Focuses on the first chapter of the fourth division of Aitareya Brahmana, covering 14 sections (suktas).

• Benedictory Verse & Salutations

  • Madhvacharya offers salutations to Vishnu, worshipped through yajnas by devas like Brahma, Rudra, Indra.

  • All final offerings of yajnas are dedicated to Vishnu.

• Philosophical Insights

  • The work is meant for yajna performers but also explains philosophical meanings of Rig Veda.

  • Hymns are mahanamni: names like Indra and Rudra primarily refer to Vishnu, not just the devas.

  • Every word, mantra, and sukta ultimately points to Vishnu.

• Nature of Vishnu

  • Vishnu is called mahat, possessing infinite auspicious qualities.

  • Passages describing Vishnu as nirguna (without qualities) imply freedom from prakriti – sattva, rajas, tamas, not contradiction with saguna texts.

• Interpretation of Vedic Texts

  • Vedic texts have multiple levels of meaning, but primary reference is always to Vishnu.

  • Other interpretations come only after the primary sense.

• Rituals and Devotion

  • All rites and sacrifices should be performed with devotion to Vishnu and detachment from worldly results.

  • All offerings are dedicated at the feet of Vishnu.

• Dedication of the Work

  • Madhvacharya ultimately dedicates Karma Nirnaya to Narayana, who is dearest to him.

If you want, I can also make an even more condensed “quote-style” version that captures the essence in 5–6 punchy lines suitable for quick reference or memorization. Do you want me to do that?