SriVaishnava Priests

[Guest guest]

>From Mr. Tatachar's posting, it is nice to know that at least one

temple and its dedicated SriVaishnava community is making an attempt

to involve their Priest in the preservation of our tradition. I hope

that other SriVaishnava communities will make an example of this.

For, I think that much of the isolation that Mr. Vijayaraghavan refers

to may have been caused by our own communities. Because, up until

recently, we SriVaishnavas in the US, perhaps for the same reasons as

suggested by Mr. Vijayaraghavan, seemed to have remained fairly quiet

about our rich heritage. It is definitely time for a change.

 

I would suggest that support for our priests can be shown on an

individualistic level, too. Simply wearing a SriChurnam to the temple

and requesting the priest to recite Sarrumarai after an archana,

instead of the regular Mangala Harathi, could be a big step in making

our priests feel more connected to the community of their heritage.

 

Mr. Vijayaraghavan writes:

 

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 toone 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 what many in this chaotic modern world may be

looking for. We are all very Blessed for having some interest and

connection to our Sampradaya, and we should be readily willing to

express this and share it with others.

 

Daasanu Daasan,

 

Mohan