Swayamacharyas

[Guest guest]

-------------------------------begin Jaganath's quote

There is one Dr. Venkat Kanumalla who originally hails from a

smArtha

family, i.e. followers of Shankaracharya, and pioneered efforts to

set up the Ranganatha temple of New York for 10 years. He has been

authorised to do samAshrayam for people unable to visit India,

though

such a practice is non existent in his family.

-------------------------------end quote

 

It is unfortunate that the Swayamacharya tradition has been dwindling

in recent years. As there appears to be a small semblance of

practicing SriVaishnava families in every major city in the US,

having a knowledgable individual in each community who could impart

the traditions and philosophy would be valuable in ensuring their

continuation. I am glad to know that Dr. Venkat has been appointed in

such a capacity. I have spoken with him on several occassions, and I

admire his knowledge and dedication.

 

I have also been feeling lately that our priests should be taking a

more active role. We lay followers are forming associations and

discussion groups, which is definitely indicating our interest to

learn more. However, from what I have seen from my brief visits to

temples in Pittsburgh, Chicago, LA, etc. (Denver does not yet have a

temple), the Priests, while readily serving the Hindu Community at

large, do not seem to be taking an active role in the preservation of

SriVaishnavism. I was wondering whether others in the group could

shed some light as to why this is so, or correct me if I am wrong.

 

Daasanu Daasan.

 

Mohan