Where have all Brahmin godmen gone? - Times of India

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas:

 

I entirely agree with Sri Sudarshan’s statement (quoted below) and his

conclusion that further discussion on the subject be stopped forthwith in

Tiruvenkatam list. I would like to add that the discussions be stopped also

in “Sri Ranga Sri” for the same reason.

 

“I would like to bring discussions on this sensitive subject to an immediate

close because it will serve no further useful purpose to debate it further.

I'm quite sure that if allowed further, it will invariably lead (as it

usually always does in all these Sri Vaishnava cyber-forums) to hot-tempered

accusations and counter-accusations between members on grounds of

"AchArya-apachAram", "BhAgavatha-apachAram", this, that and much more”

 

But, I would like to add a few words before closing the topic.

 

There is much truth to ponder over both in the TOI posting and the reply of

Sri Sudarshan.

 

I feel that the TOI article, perhaps unintentionally, fans the Brahmin vs

Non Brahmin hatred.

 

However, the following observation in it, only partly explains the situation

but cannot be brushed aside.

 

”Brahmin mutts have not built such enduring visible monuments for the poor

but have poured plenty into dressing up or washing the gods. The Seer of

Kanchi recently gifted a diamond studded crown to a temple. Grand,

captivating events, but transient and forgettable unlike huge modern

hospitals and colleges”

 

On the other hand, the Ahobila Mutt Oriental Schools and the Arts and

Science College of Periyasramam shine foremost in secular education and even

in hi-tech fields like computer, as much as in religious education as

revealed in the ranking of institutions with reference to quality of

education published by evaluating agencies.

 

This is no doubt, a good beginning. But, much more needs to be done in these

fields by comparatively affluent Mutts than just this, if they are to

attract various segments. Huge sums of money spent on various other

projects may be usefully diverted to such socially-needed educational and

healthcare facilities that should operate irrespective of caste or other

considerations. So far as my knowledge goes, this kind of social service by

Mutts and Asramams is NOT prohibited in the Saastras.

 

This is also necessary because proselytizing religions have succeeded mainly

due to the incentives provided by them over generations through

establishing higher educational institutions and hospitals and other

healthcare units.

 

Our mutts should take a leaf from their efforts and prove that we can

provide better opportunities than them and beat them using their own tools

and on their own turf, if we seek to recover and retain the loyalty of these

segments.

 

“Touchig” and “physical contacts” do not mean much. This “body contact”,

this “hugging" business so much applauded by the TOI article is not the

reason for people flocking to those who offer such cheap gimmicks.

 

On the other hand, the “safe distance” maintained is as per the dictates of

Saastras for maintaining the purity of the seers who have to handle the

sacred and consecrated images and objects like Saligraamams etc. The concept

of “purity” is one of the cardinal principles commanded by the Saastras and

can in no case be compromised for a populist ploy.

 

As for the observation:

“However, it must be said that for many orthodox Brahmins, 'lesser form'

spirituality is still a taboo. Many of them can’t even conceive a

non-Brahmin becoming spiritual”

 

This is not true. Sri Sudarshan has given a fitting reply by citing how

SrivaishNavam draws inspiration from and venerates Azhwar saints many of

whom were not Brahmins.

----

Further discussions, if deemed necessary, may be had in personal mails NOT in

“Sri Ranga Sri”.

 

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

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