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From the Bhakti List Archives

Parthasarati Dileepan • December 12, 1995 


It seems to me that equality was not an objective of Sri
Vaishnavam, not then, not today.  Sri Vaishnavam is
primarily concerned with understanding the scriptures and
leading life consistent with the scriptural principles.
There is no need to make excuses or pretend otherwise.
Equality is to be found only at the lotus feet of our Lord
Sriman Narayana.  However, acharyas like Swami Sri
Desikan have shown that it is possible to accord the
highest form of respect for all Sri Vaishnavas,
irrespective of caste, and yet be true to varnashrama
dharma system.  This is no more or no less a rhetoric
relative to the 21st century doctrines that purport to
deliver us unto egalitarian utopia.  What is truly
disconcerting to me is not that an acharya for a brahmin
must be a brahmin, that is probably of theoretical interest
only, but the dilution of the principle that all Sri
Vaishnavas must be treated with the utmost respect
possible.  Here, we, with 21st century concepts of right
and wrong, could learn a thing or two from our
poorvaacharyaas.

In any case, I feel finding satisfactory answers to the
questions Mani and Kaushik raise are as important as other
traditional activities for the continued good health of
Sri Vaishnavam.


-- Dileepan