clarification on vaishnava 'superiority theory'

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Based on what I've read or heard, being born a vaishnavan is itself a

great deed. That too is possible only after so many cycles of birth

and death. Only after being born a vaishnava, following the righteous

dharma, and having bhakthi on sriman narayana, can one attain lord's

feet. This implies that vaishnavam is the highest step achievable by a man

before paramapatham.

 

This philosophy means that vaishnavas are superior to all other human

beings. For jews, they are the god's chosen people. same with

christians and muslims. even within hinduism, we have this saivism and

vaishnavism.And the caste system in India, is itself a creation of man. so how

can one come to a conclusion that vaishnavaites are superior?

 

I was born a vaishnavaite and i'm trying to follow the practices to my

capability. Nevertheless, how can we say that we are superior? did we come to

the conclusion just because we are born vaishnavaites? I agree that, most of our

customs are the right ways to lead life, from a ethical and scientific point of

view. but does that make us superior?

 

Is it just that, irrespective of birth, if one lives life according to

vaishnavaite principles, that one is superior spiritually?

 

thanks

sudharsan

[Guest guest]

Dear Sriman Sudharsan,

 

 

This is what the Lord says in the Gita:

Chapter 9:29-34.

 

29 

I am equally present in all beings; none is hateful or dear to me.  But those who 

worship me with devotion, they are in me and I am also in them. 

 (Like  radio waves, they are there equally  for everyone. When we tune in we and the

station are connected. That tuning in, we have to do- no radio station will do it for us!)

30 

Even if a man steeped in evil takes on to my worship with undivided devotion, he must 

be considered as noble, because, he has taken the right decision.

31 

Readily he becomes righteous and attains everlasting peace. O Arjuna, be aware! No devotee of mine is ever lost (Instantaneous transformation, like when we light a lamp in a dark corner). 

32 

Whosoever take refuge in me, even men of sinful birth, women, traders or laborers 

whom society may reject or consider ineligible for redemption; they all attain the 

supreme goal (Whoever surrenders to me, will attain the supreme goal, irrespective of 

their birth, gender, or position in the society). 

33

That being the case, what more can I say of the virtuous Brahmanas, and the royal seers who take refuge in me?  Arjuna! Having come into this impermanent and sorrowful world, engage yourself in my worship for the sake of liberation. 

 

 

34 

Fix your mind on me, be devoted to me, worship me, bow down to 

me; having thus united yourself to me as the supreme goal, you shall surely come to me.  

 

 

 

 

dAsan

 

 

K.S. tAtAchAr

 

 

sudharsan_neo <sudharsan_neo

 

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 8:25 pm

clarification on vaishnava 'superiority theory'

 

 

Hi,

Based on what I've read or heard, being born a vaishnavan is itself a

great deed. That too is possible only after so many cycles of birth

and death. Only after being born a vaishnava, following the righteous

dharma, and having bhakthi on sriman narayana, can one attain lord's

feet. This implies that vaishnavam is the highest step achievable by a man before paramapatham. This philosophy means that vaishnavas are superior to all other human

beings. For jews, they are the god's chosen people. same with

christians and muslims. even within hinduism, we have this saivism and vaishnavism.And the caste system in India, is itself a creation of man. so how can one come to a conclusion that vaishnavaites are superior?

I was born a vaishnavaite and i'm trying to follow the practices to my capability. Nevertheless, how can we say that we are superior? did we come to the conclusion just because we are born vaishnavaites? I agree that, most of our customs are the right ways to lead life, from a ethical and scientific point of view. but does that make us superior?

Is it just that, irrespective of birth, if one lives life according to vaishnavaite principles, that one is superior spiritually?

thanks

sudharsan

---

 

[Guest guest]

Dear Swamin,Very enlightening indeed. I would like to add one more point. To tune into Bhagavath Bhakti, one needs to have his blessings by way of good karma from previous and current births. Once the connection is established, it will be a smooth ride for a devotee in this life and a life thereafter. dasanRajagopalan Venugopalan-Koti Sreekrishna sudharsan_neo, Cc: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:32:48 -0400Re: clarification on vaishnava 'superiority theory'

 

 

 

 

Dear Sriman Sudharsan,

 

This is what the Lord says in the Gita:/