Equality

[Guest guest]

It seems to me that equality was not an objective of Sri

Vaishnavam, not then, not today. Sri Vaishnavam is

primarily concerned with understanding the scriptures and

leading life consistent with the scriptural principles.

There is no need to make excuses or pretend otherwise.

Equality is to be found only at the lotus feet of our Lord

Sriman Narayana. However, acharyas like Swami Sri

Desikan have shown that it is possible to accord the

highest form of respect for all Sri Vaishnavas,

irrespective of caste, and yet be true to varnashrama

dharma system. This is no more or no less a rhetoric

relative to the 21st century doctrines that purport to

deliver us unto egalitarian utopia. What is truly

disconcerting to me is not that an acharya for a brahmin

must be a brahmin, that is probably of theoretical interest

only, but the dilution of the principle that all Sri

Vaishnavas must be treated with the utmost respect

possible. Here, we, with 21st century concepts of right

and wrong, could learn a thing or two from our

poorvaacharyaas.

 

In any case, I feel finding satisfactory answers to the

questions Mani and Kaushik raise are as important as other

traditional activities for the continued good health of

Sri Vaishnavam.

 

 

-- Dileepan