Priests and Temples

[Guest guest]

(I sent a previous posting regarding this from my office, but it did

not appear in this evening's E-mail. If the other message appears,

please disregard in favor of this one. Thank you.)

 

Mr. Tatachar's discussion on the happenings at the Cincinatti Temple

is very encouraging and inspiring. It should be an example for

SriVaishnava communities in other cities. From my observation, and

perhaps for similar reasons that Mr. Vijayaraghavan discussed, many

SriVaishnavas have remained rather quiet about their rich heritage;

and as Mr. Tatachar points out, seemed to have strayed away from

involvement in temples. This in spite of the fact that there a large

number of temples in the US that have SriVaishnava priests. As

interest in our heritage is now, finally, on the increase in this

country, I certainly feel that it is time for a change.

 

I think that the support and encouragement for our priests could come

on an individual basis, as well. I have discovered that both here

and even in India, simply wearing a SriChurnam when we attend the

temple, in show of pride of our heritage, is a big step in showing

our priests our support for them and the tradition they represent.

 

Mr. Vijayraghavan also points out:

 

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.

 

-----------------

 

This is a very poignant and truthful statement. I personally feel

that the sublimity and sweetness of our philosophy, combined with its

magnanimous approach, is something from which many in this modern

chaotic world could benefit. We all are very Blessed for having

interest and connection to our Sampradayam, and should be readily

willing to express this and share it.

 

Daasanu Daasan,

 

Mohan