Part 2- Kumudavalli--T

[Guest guest]

Reply to: RE>> Part 2: Kumudavalli--Thirumangai"s Vaidhika Vivaham

 

Sri Mani:

 

I agree with you completely. During the early part of this century there was a

debate between a non-brahmin bhagavata, Sri Bhuvanagiri Azhagiya ManavaaLa

Ekangi, and a learned Sri Vaishnava brahmin Swami at Tiruvaheendrapuram on the

troubling question of caste distinctions within the Sri Vaishanva community.

(The arguments of the former have been published as a book by some of his

followers.) In my opinion, this episode exemplifies the back sliding within

the vaishnava community since the times of the great acharyas.

 

One who is even superficially familiar with Tenkalai works would know how the

acharyas considered birth in a caste of lower status to be even an advantage

for aspiring prapannas.

(Like flowing water, the Lord's Grace seeks the lowest place.) For those who

accept this notion, being born in the fourth varna or panchama kula has

nothing to be ashamed of at all. But the world at large has come to abhor the

notion of higher and lower birth-based castes, in principle at least. I think

it is up to modern Sri Vaishnavas, especially the pontiffs, to re-interpret

the sastras in consonance with the writings of acharyas and re-establish the

norms observed by such persons as Emperumaanaar, Periya Nambi etc. Of course,

in our own lives we could set examples by our conduct.

 

If you deem fit, you may send this message to the bhakti/prapatti group.

Srinivasan