Anya DevathA worship for a SrI VaishNavan , who has performed SaraNAgathy

[Guest guest]

SrI :

 

Dear respected List Memebrs :

 

Our lists contain memberships from SrIman NaarAyaNa

BhakthAs and others , whose ishta dhaivams are different

(anya devathAs). Many worship SrIman NaarAyaNan

as well as other DevathAs at the same time and feel

comfortable . Others worship Sriman NaarAyaNa

exclusively following their AchAryan's guidance and

UpadEsams . Our intent as moderators is not to offend

anyone and seek to learn from each other , when subjects

like anya devathA worships come up for discussions . We will

stay frim on core principles of VaishNavism in these discussions.

There are times , when there is more heat than light from

prolonging discussions . The appropriate thing to do is to

close the discussions and let private exchanges go off line.

My respected colleague , SrI Anbil Swamy exercises this rite very well .

 

Here are some additional comments , while we are on this

subject ..

 

>From time to time , we come across topics , which have been

amply discussed before . One such topic is about anya devathA

worship for a VaishNavan , who has performed SaranAgathi .

Not every one has been blessed to perform SaraNAgathy or Prapatthi or

BharanyAsam or Aathma NivEdhanam , which is surrendering

one's soul at the sacred feet of the owner , SrIman NaarAyaNan .

That is a sacred act and commitment to follow some ancient rules

established by VedAs , Upanishads and VaishNavite AchAryAs of illustrious

paramparai .

 

For those , who have performed Saranagathy , their devotion to SrIman

NaarAyaNa is total and is of the nature of avyapachArika Bhakthi

or chaste Bhakthi that a wife would display to a wedded husband

at all times . She will never even look in the direction of another man .

That is pathivrathA dharamam . Same for VaishNavAs , who

have performed Prapatthi through the grace of an AchAryan

and got married to the Lord . Trying to convince them to take

another route is a waste of time . These blessed souls are

respected as ParamaikAnthis and are aadarsa purushAs

(Some One to look up to as role models for a true VaishNavan).

 

They will not be distracted by any other temptations of desired

gains since their mind is made up to gain the parama purushArTam

of Moksham or liberation from the cycles of births and

deaths and eternally serve SrI VaikuntanAthan at His

Supreme abode after this earthly life is over . Their conviction

based on upadesams for their AchAryans is that SrIman

NaarAyaNan alone can grant the supreme goal of Moksha Sukham .

There is little to debate here for one who has performed Prapatthi

with the help of a compassionate VaishNavite AchAryan .

 

Not worshipping other gods or seeking anything from them

does not mean gestures of insult towards them or their devotees.

This should be clearly understood so that there are no endless

debates on this subject , which can get acrymonious and pompous .

 

The motto should be Live and let Live . Follow One's AchAryan's

directions and be true to your faith and committments . SrI Bhagavath

GithA is the best source for understanding this SaraNAgathy dharmam

taught by the compassionate Lord Himself for the benefit of all of us.

 

At your service ,

Daasan , V.Sadagopan

Moderator of Oppilappan and Saranagaty List

http://www.malolan.org

http://www.sadagopan.org

[Guest guest]

Oppiliappan, Sadagopan <sgopan@c...> wrote:

> SrI :

>

> Dear respected List Memebrs :

>

> Our lists contain memberships from SrIman NaarAyaNa

> BhakthAs and others , whose ishta dhaivams are different

> (anya devathAs). Many worship SrIman NaarAyaNan

> as well as other DevathAs at the same time and feel

> comfortable . Others worship Sriman NaarAyaNa

> exclusively following their AchAryan's guidance and

> UpadEsams . Our intent as moderators is not to offend

> anyone and seek to learn from each other , when subjects

> like anya devathA worships come up for discussions .

 

 

Dear Sir,

 

Besides the many theological reasons which abound in our monotheistic

tradition against 'anya devata arAdana' (worship of gods and demi-

gods), there is one that is based on simple common sense. There is

much uncommon sense in the worldly adage: "No man can serve well more

than one Master". It applies with equal force and wisdom in matters

of faith and worship too.

 

dAsan,

Sudarshan