nityanushtAnams....

[Guest guest]

Dear bhAgavathAs,

 

A few weeks back, I was discussing with some of my friends about religion

and philosophy in general and also about Sri Vaishnavam, scriptures etc.,

based on my current understanding. As usual, several opinions were

expressed, and we agreed on some and differed on many. But in the end I was

left with very intriguing questions:

 

Is it okay to worship our Perumal, perform our nitya anushtAnams without

necessarily chanting sanskrit or tamizh slokams? Will it be correct or

enough to meditate on the essence of vEda mantrams and other slokams without

actually performing specific procedures like Achamanam, ArAdhanam,

parishEsanam etc.? In other words, should one go by the protocol always or

adapt and adopt the same based on individual mental comfort depending on

time and ability?

 

Personally, I feel, as an exception it is okay if one is unable to perform

elaborate ArAdhanams on a daily basis, but should definitely spend some

time, preferably in front of our Perumal and focus one's thoughts upon Him

with love, humility and sincerity - even if it is for only a few minutes.

However, the ideal and correct thing to do will be to learn and follow the

protocol and enjoy the true experience / anubhavam.

 

Having said that, like everyone else, I am still learning to discipline my

life between demanding work environment and home, and therefore I am always

making compromises for lack of time. For e.g. many a days I had to rush

through the prayer process and am clearly unhappy about it. I set myself

specific goals but there are always some unexpected demands - like a call

from work when I am planning to spend some more time to learn a slokam. As

it is, many of us undertake only brief versions of our prayers - yet even

this appears to be at risk? How should I / anyone approach these and related

issues on a day-to-day basis? Are "discipline" and "time-management" the

only simple answers? Or is it indeed okay to maintain status quo as long as

one feels comfortable? Were do we draw the line, with respect to performing

the daily religious obligations as Sri VaishnavAs?

 

Would appreciate your opinions, suggestions, and pointers to previous

replies for similar queries.

 

Thanks.

 

Sriram