Re. Recent Discussions - Clarification

[Guest guest]

Dear Shri Kalale:

 

Thanks for seeking the clarification. What I am implying is: Amidst the

teachings and influence of Swamijis Chinmaya and Baba and the like, it takes

time for people to realise the true import of preventing anya devatA

worship. In my experience, the over-emphasis of this point has only proved

counter-productive. Sometimes this is emphasized to the point that this is

the only thing that Sri Vaishnavism cares about.

 

I think there are activities like observing EkAdasi Vratam, performing

Sandhyavandanam and bhaghavat arAdhanam, avoiding eating outside, wearing

urdhvapundram, willingness to do service (physically), attending temple

programs, reciting Vishnu Sahasranamam daily - that should be encouraged,

emphasized and appreciated for someone to be worthy of being called a Sri

Vaishnavan. These activities will not only help one in his day-to-day

living but also gradually lead him to a great sadachArya and his confusions

will automatically go.

 

I must also add that most of the net members and quite a few in India do

observe these things and they appreciate the philosophy of "NarAyananE

namakkE parai tharuvAn". However, this section forms only a miniscule, if

you consider the vast populace of Sri VaishnavAs. We need to carry the

majority along if we want to make our own life simple and this may require

some restraint on our part to de-emphasize a few things that turn them away

and emphasize those that they would appreciate all within the framework of

Sri Vaishnavism.

 

I think our Sri Ranganatha Temple project at POMONA as conceived by Shri

Venkat represents the "IDEAL" and will stand as a beacon light for our

future generations. It reflects the aspirations and goals of our acahryAs.

Eventually, the entire population of Sri VaishnavAs in the USA will begin

to appreciate this treasure in the Western hemisphere. I must add that it

has the whole-hearted support of all Sri VaishnavAs living in the greater

Buffalo area.

 

Dasan

 

Vijayaraghavan

Buffalo, NY

 

____

Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com