Re: Paavai nOnbu

From the Bhakti List Archives

• December 1, 2001


SrI:
SrImathE Gopaladesika mahadesikaya namah:
Dear Sri Mohan,
Thanks for your appreciation. The credit goes to Sri Anand for his original 
writing.
Regarding your comments on showing disprespect to devathAntharangaL (demi 
gods).. Srivaishnavas should not and do not show any disrespect to others..

The most important Srivaishnava dharma is the develeopment of unflinching, 
unconditional and unshakeable faith that only Sriman Narayanan (VishNu) as 
the Supreme Being (Paratatthvam), as the Saviour (who grants and can grant 
mOksham- Rakshakan). thios would imply that a Srivaishnava does not worship 
any one other than VishNu. Thirumangai AzhwAr goes to the extent of saying 
that he would not even associtae himself with those who worship others as 
Gods... Please note that this view is not be construed as dogmatism because 
it arises from the philosophic doctrine of Ultimate Reality; (as declared by 
Sage Veda Vyasa.. sathyam; sathyam.. punas sathyam..)It also does not amount 
to condemnation or disprespect to other deities..

VishNu is the Only One who can grant mOksham and is mentioned by Siva to 
Thirumazhisai AzhwAr; Sage MarkaNdEyar.. The most important goal for human 
beings is to get away from samsaaric afflictions, and knowing fully well of 
JivAThmAs' swarUpam of being eternal servant and sEshan to the Lord, its 
natural for jIvan to serve the Lord.. (sa Eka:- only One- who is VishNu). A 
Srivaishnava should show veneration to others since they constitute the 
vibUthis or glories of VishNu.. VishNu as all pervasive (vibhu) and inner 
controller of all that exists in the Universe is the antharAthmA of other 
deities also. The GitA reiterates that the wworshippers of other deities 
with bhakthi worship only the Supreme Being (VishNu)(Chapter 9.23)

(Reference: from Sri U Ve SMS Chari Swamin's book on Vaishnavism)

Regards
Narayana Narayana
NarayaNa dAsan madhavakkannan

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