Guest guest Posted February 13, 1998 Report Share Posted February 13, 1998 Summary Currently, Vedic studies, Temples and mutts back in India are in a awfully bad state. This is mainly due to sporadic and insufficient funds. We need set up a system which supports religious heads who run those institutions and also makes use of their rich learning to educate us and our future generations here in this country. For this purpose a funding process which is similar to the ones used by other successful religious organizations is proposed. This proposed system basically uses bank account deductions from donors to raise funds. We are requesting the NAMA board to support this cause and thus enrich our Srivaishnava Community around the world. CURRENT GRAVE STATUS The state of temples which were living monuments of our culture are now left deserted with occasional visits from probably just a priest who has several jobs to support him in addition to part time work at these temples. Parakalamutt, which was started from the first disciple of Sri Vedanta Desika, is reduced to shambles today and hardly anyone is helping that institution. - Vedic learning has reached its all time record lows. The rich scriptural texts which were being published by great scholars from time to time are quickly becoming extinct. - About a decade ago, It was estimated by one of our Acharyas that there were only 78 scholars existing in India who really know our tradition and philosophy. A handful of the next generation of these scholars actually are keeping up with this tradition. This will result loss of all our traditional knowledge and identity in about 30-40 years. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS Srivaisnava Organizations like matams, ashramas, temples etc. operate by donations and self-less service from devotees and well wishers. The activities of fund collection, distribution and expenditure is not WELL organized in Srivaisnava Organizations thus contributing to the eroding of our rich heritage, learning, tradition, philosophy, worship and maintenance of several important temples including the divya-desams worshipped by our Alvars and Acharyas. What are we doing about this? OTHER RELIGIOUS GROUPS like Christians and Jews have a STREAM-LINED PROCESS AND system of fund collection by means of regular monthly contributions and an orderly way to spend the funds in activities designed to keep alive their tradition with active involvement from the present and future generations including active interest from people of other religions. A Madhva organization in Bangalore HAS 225 kids funded to study only Sanskrit, Vedas and Madhva Philosophy. Even if one wants to know regarding Srivaishnava tradition, it is hard to find a Guru or an institution or college or even good books that teach them. On the other hand one can spend all his life in such activities if one want so learn other traditions with sufficient financial support. POTENTIAL SOLUTION n Support vedic studies back in India n Infuse life to the already dwindling priest population · ORGANIZE FOR priests and pundits well versed in Sri Ramanuja Siddhanta TO VISIT USA and enlighten us. THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO how many other systems such as Chinmayananda Mission, Hare Krishna Mission, Vivekananda Society etc. are operating. · Nurture these institutions AND CAUSES on a regular basis with financial support. They cannot survive with occasional donations, much as human beings cannot survive with sporadic supply of food provided on an irregular basis. We cannot wash our hands off stating that even if we fund these organizations all the money will be misused. We will have to make sure the funds are utilized properly. We can do this if we can organize properly. Being descendents of our illustrious leader Sri Ramanuja, I know that all of us are very capable. This is the time to show action. We are not under the devastating influence of war or any dreadful external force which is resulting in this chaos. It is our own inactivity which is causing this state of affairs. All these suggest to us that may be we should be doing something to make a change. We have to act NOW or it will be too late. What is this activity? The plan is : 1) To appeal to the people of our community to CONTRIBUTE every month a fixed amount of money (whatever it may be : 10$, 25$, 50$,100$, $200, $250 or a percentage of their salary, and so on) making use of the non-profit nature of an organization which has tax exemption. 2) Send them a list of organizations AND ACTIVITIES which need support. This list will include all major Srivaisnava organizations without any discrimination of kalai, language, geography or any such divisive criteria. The donors can select whichever organization they want to choose from the list and the percentage of their funds to be dedicated in support of such organizations by stating : x% of my contribution will go to organization (Y) b% of my contribution will go to……organization (Z) …etc. This wing of NAMA will not do any decision on assessing how to allocate these funds. The donors will make this decision. This wing will be a purely collection and funding agency without discriminating between any of these organizations. THE MANAGING COMMITTEE FOR THIS ENDEVOUR WILL IDENTIFY RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON URGENCY AND IMPORTANCE. I request other members to come forward and offer their valuable services to this cause. Inspiration and guidance for this endeavor During Krishna Kalale’s past 5 visits to India last year, he visited several mutts and temples. He found that these mutts and temples are reduced to mere excuses for institutions with practically no support. Our Acharyas should be concentrating on serving God and offering us philosophical / religious advice. But they are now toiling hard to raise funds in their ripe old age and are sincerely requesting us to help. We could not help appealing to our community to help these institutions which belong to US. We are far away from India but let us not take our heritage out of our minds altogether. The fate of these temples and mutts are in OUR HANDS. We can let them PERISH or NURTURE them. We probably have a better chance at raising funds and supporting these instituations if we work together from here than the people back in India. Our kind Acharyas back home and several respectable members of our community here in USA suggested to us to originate this activity. Just a 25$ a month from 500 families can supply enough money to fund many activities to keep our system of Ramanuja Sampradaya well supported and growing. This amount of money is not much for most of us. Why can’t we pool up our resources and see our system of thought thriving. Let this statement: "Ramanujarya divya-ajna vardha-taam abhi-vardhatam" (let the divine system of Sri Ramanuja thrive prosperously for ever) be not just a part of prayer uttered in a routine manner but let it happen in reality. All of us can do it. Please let it happen. Let us do this for ourselves and our kids and several generations to come. We have several volunteers who are already signing up to support this cause by pledging a particular amount of money each month: Murlidhar Rajagopalan Keshav Rajagopalan Nagu & B.G Satyan Krishna Kalale & Krishna Priya Nadadur Madhavan WE REQUEST ALL OF YOU TO COME FORWARD AND SIGN UP FOR THIS NOBLE CAUSE. LATER ON WE WILL SEND YOU OTHER DETAILS. PLEASE SEND THIS EMAIL TO OTHERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED TO SUPPORT THIS NOBLE CAUSE. Thanks, Krishna Kalale Nagu & B.G Satyan Nadadoor Madhavan Murlidhan Rajagopalan Keshav Rajagopalan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 1998 Report Share Posted February 14, 1998 I have to second Shri Kalale's thought here. Over the past several visits to India, I have seen several temples ignored, some temples restored, depending on the popularity of the kshEtram, etc. However, I was talking to one of my relatives, popularly known to the Shri Ranganatha Paduka Community as "Kilpauk R. Kannan". He was telling me about the sad state of the Great Parakala Matam. One of the oldest Matam in the Shri Vaishnavite Sampradayam, the Karnataka State Government, a while back took control of their vast land resources, for a meagre Rs. 25,000. The Jeer of the Matam has even gone on record in several sadas as to where in the world would you get 4 acres for 25 paise ! This great Matam today has a difficult time feeding their own disciples. It is therefore all the more necessary for us to initiate such a cause. However, our community here is very often pressed for charitable causes, and too often, we run into brick walls. Therefore in addition to tapping resources based on this community, we also have to set up an agenda to tap Larger Charity Organizations, and Government resources. Only this will ensure a continued support for such causes ! Any thoughts ? Regards, Raja Krishnasamy --\ - Raja Krishnasamy 6 Dundee Road, Arlington, MA 02174 Oracle Corporation (617) 646-6731 Senior Systems Engineering Specialist rxkrishn (888) 669 2880 (Pager) The statements and opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent those of Oracle Corporation. ____________________________ 13 Feb 98 22:48:15 Krishna Kalale kkalale To:bhakti Subject:IMPORTANT FUNDING INFORMATION BestServHost:lists.best.com Sender:bhakti-errors Errors-To:bhakti-errors Summary Currently, Vedic studies, Temples and mutts back in India are in a awfully bad state. This is mainly due to sporadic and insufficient funds. We need set up a system which supports religious heads who run those institutions and also makes use of their rich learning to educate us and our future generations here in this country. For this purpose a funding process which is similar to the ones used by other successful religious organizations is proposed. This proposed system basically uses bank account deductions from donors to raise funds. We are requesting the NAMA board to support this cause and thus enrich our Srivaishnava Community around the world. CURRENT GRAVE STATUS The state of temples which were living monuments of our culture are now left deserted with occasional visits from probably just a priest who has several jobs to support him in addition to part time work at these temples. Parakalamutt, which was started from the first disciple of Sri Vedanta Desika, is reduced to shambles today and hardly anyone is helping that institution. - Vedic learning has reached its all time record lows. The rich scriptural texts which were being published by great scholars from time to time are quickly becoming extinct. - About a decade ago, It was estimated by one of our Acharyas that there were only 78 scholars existing in India who really know our tradition and philosophy. A handful of the next generation of these scholars actually are keeping up with this tradition. This will result loss of all our traditional knowledge and identity in about 30-40 years. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS Srivaisnava Organizations like matams, ashramas, temples etc. operate by donations and self-less service from devotees and well wishers. The activities of fund collection, distribution and expenditure is not WELL organized in Srivaisnava Organizations thus contributing to the eroding of our rich heritage, learning, tradition, philosophy, worship and maintenance of several important temples including the divya-desams worshipped by our Alvars and Acharyas. What are we doing about this? OTHER RELIGIOUS GROUPS like Christians and Jews have a STREAM-LINED PROCESS AND system of fund collection by means of regular monthly contributions and an orderly way to spend the funds in activities designed to keep alive their tradition with active involvement from the present and future generations including active interest from people of other religions. A Madhva organization in Bangalore HAS 225 kids funded to study only Sanskrit, Vedas and Madhva Philosophy. Even if one wants to know regarding Srivaishnava tradition, it is hard to find a Guru or an institution or college or even good books that teach them. On the other hand one can spend all his life in such activities if one want so learn other traditions with sufficient financial support. POTENTIAL SOLUTION n Support vedic studies back in India n Infuse life to the already dwindling priest population ? ORGANIZE FOR priests and pundits well versed in Sri Ramanuja Siddhanta TO VISIT USA and enlighten us. THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO how many other systems such as Chinmayananda Mission, Hare Krishna Mission, Vivekananda Society etc. are operating. ? Nurture these institutions AND CAUSES on a regular basis with financial support. They cannot survive with occasional donations, much as human beings cannot survive with sporadic supply of food provided on an irregular basis. We cannot wash our hands off stating that even if we fund these organizations all the money will be misused. We will have to make sure the funds are utilized properly. We can do this if we can organize properly. Being descendents of our illustrious leader Sri Ramanuja, I know that all of us are very capable. This is the time to show action. We are not under the devastating influence of war or any dreadful external force which is resulting in this chaos. It is our own inactivity which is causing this state of affairs. All these suggest to us that may be we should be doing something to make a change. We have to act NOW or it will be too late. What is this activity? The plan is : 1) To appeal to the people of our community to CONTRIBUTE every month a fixed amount of money (whatever it may be : 10$, 25$, 50$,100$, $200, $250 or a percentage of their salary, and so on) making use of the non-profit nature of an organization which has tax exemption. 2) Send them a list of organizations AND ACTIVITIES which need support. This list will include all major Srivaisnava organizations without any discrimination of kalai, language, geography or any such divisive criteria. The donors can select whichever organization they want to choose from the list and the percentage of their funds to be dedicated in support of such organizations by stating : x% of my contribution will go to organization (Y) b% of my contribution will go to??organization (Z) ?etc. This wing of NAMA will not do any decision on assessing how to allocate these funds. The donors will make this decision. This wing will be a purely collection and funding agency without discriminating between any of these organizations. THE MANAGING COMMITTEE FOR THIS ENDEVOUR WILL IDENTIFY RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON URGENCY AND IMPORTANCE. I request other members to come forward and offer their valuable services to this cause. Inspiration and guidance for this endeavor During Krishna Kalale?s past 5 visits to India last year, he visited several mutts and temples. He found that these mutts and temples are reduced to mere excuses for institutions with practically no support. Our Acharyas should be concentrating on serving God and offering us philosophical / religious advice. But they are now toiling hard to raise funds in their ripe old age and are sincerely requesting us to help. We could not help appealing to our community to help these institutions which belong to US. We are far away from India but let us not take our heritage out of our minds altogether. The fate of these temples and mutts are in OUR HANDS. We can let them PERISH or NURTURE them. We probably have a better chance at raising funds and supporting these instituations if we work together from here than the people back in India. Our kind Acharyas back home and several respectable members of our community here in USA suggested to us to originate this activity. Just a 25$ a month from 500 families can supply enough money to fund many activities to keep our system of Ramanuja Sampradaya well supported and growing. This amount of money is not much for most of us. Why can?t we pool up our resources and see our system of thought thriving. Let this statement: "Ramanujarya divya-ajna vardha-taam abhi-vardhatam" (let the divine system of Sri Ramanuja thrive prosperously for ever) be not just a part of prayer uttered in a routine manner but let it happen in reality. All of us can do it. Please let it happen. Let us do this for ourselves and our kids and several generations to come. We have several volunteers who are already signing up to support this cause by pledging a particular amount of money each month: Murlidhar Rajagopalan Keshav Rajagopalan Nagu & B.G Satyan Krishna Kalale & Krishna Priya Nadadur Madhavan WE REQUEST ALL OF YOU TO COME FORWARD AND SIGN UP FOR THIS NOBLE CAUSE. LATER ON WE WILL SEND YOU OTHER DETAILS. PLEASE SEND THIS EMAIL TO OTHERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED TO SUPPORT THIS NOBLE CAUSE. Thanks, Krishna Kalale Nagu & B.G Satyan Nadadoor Madhavan Murlidhan Rajagopalan Keshav Rajagopalan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 1998 Report Share Posted February 14, 1998 Count me in ! Regards, Raja Krishnasamy --\ - Raja Krishnasamy 6 Dundee Road, Arlington, MA 02174 Oracle Corporation (617) 646-6731 Senior Systems Engineering Specialist rxkrishn (888) 669 2880 (Pager) The statements and opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent those of Oracle Corporation. ____________________________ 13 Feb 98 22:48:15 Krishna Kalale kkalale To:bhakti Subject:IMPORTANT FUNDING INFORMATION BestServHost:lists.best.com Sender:bhakti-errors Errors-To:bhakti-errors Summary Currently, Vedic studies, Temples and mutts back in India are in a awfully bad state. This is mainly due to sporadic and insufficient funds. We need set up a system which supports religious heads who run those institutions and also makes use of their rich learning to educate us and our future generations here in this country. For this purpose a funding process which is similar to the ones used by other successful religious organizations is proposed. This proposed system basically uses bank account deductions from donors to raise funds. We are requesting the NAMA board to support this cause and thus enrich our Srivaishnava Community around the world. CURRENT GRAVE STATUS The state of temples which were living monuments of our culture are now left deserted with occasional visits from probably just a priest who has several jobs to support him in addition to part time work at these temples. Parakalamutt, which was started from the first disciple of Sri Vedanta Desika, is reduced to shambles today and hardly anyone is helping that institution. - Vedic learning has reached its all time record lows. The rich scriptural texts which were being published by great scholars from time to time are quickly becoming extinct. - About a decade ago, It was estimated by one of our Acharyas that there were only 78 scholars existing in India who really know our tradition and philosophy. A handful of the next generation of these scholars actually are keeping up with this tradition. This will result loss of all our traditional knowledge and identity in about 30-40 years. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS Srivaisnava Organizations like matams, ashramas, temples etc. operate by donations and self-less service from devotees and well wishers. The activities of fund collection, distribution and expenditure is not WELL organized in Srivaisnava Organizations thus contributing to the eroding of our rich heritage, learning, tradition, philosophy, worship and maintenance of several important temples including the divya-desams worshipped by our Alvars and Acharyas. What are we doing about this? OTHER RELIGIOUS GROUPS like Christians and Jews have a STREAM-LINED PROCESS AND system of fund collection by means of regular monthly contributions and an orderly way to spend the funds in activities designed to keep alive their tradition with active involvement from the present and future generations including active interest from people of other religions. A Madhva organization in Bangalore HAS 225 kids funded to study only Sanskrit, Vedas and Madhva Philosophy. Even if one wants to know regarding Srivaishnava tradition, it is hard to find a Guru or an institution or college or even good books that teach them. On the other hand one can spend all his life in such activities if one want so learn other traditions with sufficient financial support. POTENTIAL SOLUTION n Support vedic studies back in India n Infuse life to the already dwindling priest population ? ORGANIZE FOR priests and pundits well versed in Sri Ramanuja Siddhanta TO VISIT USA and enlighten us. THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO how many other systems such as Chinmayananda Mission, Hare Krishna Mission, Vivekananda Society etc. are operating. ? Nurture these institutions AND CAUSES on a regular basis with financial support. They cannot survive with occasional donations, much as human beings cannot survive with sporadic supply of food provided on an irregular basis. We cannot wash our hands off stating that even if we fund these organizations all the money will be misused. We will have to make sure the funds are utilized properly. We can do this if we can organize properly. Being descendents of our illustrious leader Sri Ramanuja, I know that all of us are very capable. This is the time to show action. We are not under the devastating influence of war or any dreadful external force which is resulting in this chaos. It is our own inactivity which is causing this state of affairs. All these suggest to us that may be we should be doing something to make a change. We have to act NOW or it will be too late. What is this activity? The plan is : 1) To appeal to the people of our community to CONTRIBUTE every month a fixed amount of money (whatever it may be : 10$, 25$, 50$,100$, $200, $250 or a percentage of their salary, and so on) making use of the non-profit nature of an organization which has tax exemption. 2) Send them a list of organizations AND ACTIVITIES which need support. This list will include all major Srivaisnava organizations without any discrimination of kalai, language, geography or any such divisive criteria. The donors can select whichever organization they want to choose from the list and the percentage of their funds to be dedicated in support of such organizations by stating : x% of my contribution will go to organization (Y) b% of my contribution will go to??organization (Z) ?etc. This wing of NAMA will not do any decision on assessing how to allocate these funds. The donors will make this decision. This wing will be a purely collection and funding agency without discriminating between any of these organizations. THE MANAGING COMMITTEE FOR THIS ENDEVOUR WILL IDENTIFY RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON URGENCY AND IMPORTANCE. I request other members to come forward and offer their valuable services to this cause. Inspiration and guidance for this endeavor During Krishna Kalale?s past 5 visits to India last year, he visited several mutts and temples. He found that these mutts and temples are reduced to mere excuses for institutions with practically no support. Our Acharyas should be concentrating on serving God and offering us philosophical / religious advice. But they are now toiling hard to raise funds in their ripe old age and are sincerely requesting us to help. We could not help appealing to our community to help these institutions which belong to US. We are far away from India but let us not take our heritage out of our minds altogether. The fate of these temples and mutts are in OUR HANDS. We can let them PERISH or NURTURE them. We probably have a better chance at raising funds and supporting these instituations if we work together from here than the people back in India. Our kind Acharyas back home and several respectable members of our community here in USA suggested to us to originate this activity. Just a 25$ a month from 500 families can supply enough money to fund many activities to keep our system of Ramanuja Sampradaya well supported and growing. This amount of money is not much for most of us. Why can?t we pool up our resources and see our system of thought thriving. Let this statement: "Ramanujarya divya-ajna vardha-taam abhi-vardhatam" (let the divine system of Sri Ramanuja thrive prosperously for ever) be not just a part of prayer uttered in a routine manner but let it happen in reality. All of us can do it. Please let it happen. Let us do this for ourselves and our kids and several generations to come. We have several volunteers who are already signing up to support this cause by pledging a particular amount of money each month: Murlidhar Rajagopalan Keshav Rajagopalan Nagu & B.G Satyan Krishna Kalale & Krishna Priya Nadadur Madhavan WE REQUEST ALL OF YOU TO COME FORWARD AND SIGN UP FOR THIS NOBLE CAUSE. LATER ON WE WILL SEND YOU OTHER DETAILS. PLEASE SEND THIS EMAIL TO OTHERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED TO SUPPORT THIS NOBLE CAUSE. Thanks, Krishna Kalale Nagu & B.G Satyan Nadadoor Madhavan Murlidhan Rajagopalan Keshav Rajagopalan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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