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From the Bhakti List Archives

Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan • October 18, 1999 


Dear Sampath and Other BhaghavatAs:

Your point that 'kaimkaryam' should involve some physical labor on the part 
of the individual is a very valid point.  "Sikhs' lay great emphasis on the 
"kAr Seva".  Most of us usually avoid any physical tasks and we implicitly 
assume that it is meant only for the 'incapable' people - people who are 
incapable of understanding the nuances of ShastrAs and who cannot contribute 
in the mental plane.  Eventhough 'kaimkaryam' in its broadest sense involves 
all kinds of mental and physical activities (such as teaching children etc.) 
it will be a good idea to at least devote some percentage of one's time in 
physical activities (like washing utensils, cleaning the temple, serving 
food etc.).

Unfortunately, after a student returns from his 'Gurukulam' the word 
"Sushrooshai' is forgotten.  The only way to bring home this point is by 
practicing first and our elders may provide little help in this regard.

Dasan

Vijayaraghavan
Buffalo, NY

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