[admin]:Caste and Social Justice

[Guest guest]

Dear Sri Sridharan :

 

I am glad that you stepped in as the moderator

of the Bhakthi List to remind members of

(1)previous discussions on this riveting subject

(2) the academic nature of our discussions

(3) the definition of context for such discussions

(4) the need to move on unless there is some

revelatory (new) insight (5) the role of Acharyas

in clarification of doubts in these areas and

(6) the appeal to continue these discussions

off line without stifling debate .

 

The same code of conduct may be used

for future instances too, where debate

on controversial topics have lasted

too long.

 

While on the subject , I wish to invite the attention of

the members of this distinguished and caring list to

the importance of the ancient VedAs in addressing

most of the questions that plagues humanity time and again.

 

The eternal relevance of VedAs in this context is

unquestionable .

 

Sri AgnihOthram RaamAnuja TatachAr's 1985 book on

this subject was released by Thirupathi-Thirumalai

Devasthaanam and is a gem among books to show the universal

and empathetic messages laid down by VedAs .He weaves in

the concepts like the ones below in different chapters

of his stimulating monograph :

 

1. Necessity of humanaistic approach to religion;

Vedic approach is purely humanistic.

 

2. Cosmic and acosmic consciousness in VedAs , GitA .

Pursuha sooktam creates cosmic consciousness and

points out its dependence on acosmic consciousness.

 

3. Consciousness of contradiction: contradictions in human life,

prayers based on universal outlook, importance of ethics ,

individual in society , anger and ShAnti , crossing

difficulties in life.

 

4. Vedic prayers based on Universal outlook.

 

5. Dharma consciousness is the bedrock of Hinduism .

the discipline of Dharma, Volation of dharma goes against

divine will .

 

6. Creation of Social Consciousness . The unit of family

and codes of conduct among mmebers of the family.

 

7. Political consciousness in VedAs.Democratic institutions

in VedAs.

 

8. Economic Consciousness in vedAs: Importance of wealth,

different kinds of occupation , VedAs are not against wealth

acquired in just manner.

 

These gems of thoughts are linked with appropraite Veda ManthrAs

in Swamy's monograph . Manu Smrithis are quoted and linked to

Vedic thoughts as amplifications of the latter.

 

Swamy's main context in writing this book is to point out

Vedas are not anachronistic and they address questions

related to the material and metaphysical aspirations of

the people of the world today . Vagaries and the varieties of

the world are addressed by the vedAs and it is for us to

study the impact of Vedic consciousness on modern thinking

on most important topics , such as " Humanitarian

approach, universal outlook, Dharma , politics and

economics , which form the pillars of theedifice of

human existence".

 

Tis book is a reference book for understanding the " Eternal

relevance of VedAs" for our troubled times .

 

V.Sadagopan