Priests in NA

[Guest guest]

Dear Prapatti Group Members:

 

Mohan Sagar recently pointed out as follows:

 

"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. "

 

It is a very good concern expressed by Mohan but in my opinion the priests will

not be able to do this job. We have to realize that Sri-Vaishnavas are but a

minority among the South Indians (which itself is a minority group among the

Indian community). Therefore the priests who are here have to cater to the

community interests, so much so, that they even neglect the Vaishnavite cause

(?). For example in the sankalpams they don't even say Narayana Preethyartham

lest they should offend the sentiments of Non Sri Vaishnavites. Other example

is Vishvaksena Aradhanam is slowly giving way to Vinayakar-pooja even in a

vaishnavite pooja. Combination of factors are at work - (1) the need to yield

to the popular mood and (2) fear of isolation. Therefore, we cannot expect

much from our priests in term of protecting Sri-Vaishnavism and we should feel

happy that at least they wear the Urdhva-Pundra thilakam.

 

But reflecting more deeply, what is a true vaishnavite cause. External symbols

are one thing but if we go deeper - it is extending the hospitality of love to

one and all. Ramanujacharya (Dayaika Sindhu) championed this love to one and

all without any barrier. Vedanta Desika and Manavala Mamunigal further

reinforced this by their universal approach of extending the prapatti marga to

every one. This is the key. We as individuals who care should use our own

small sphere of influence in bringing the message of our Acharyas to the

public. Symbolism (which is also an essential aspect of religion) will

automatically follow.

 

Vijayaraghavan