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Sadagopan • January 23, 2002 


Dear Sri Sridharan :

I am glad that you stepped in as the moderator 
of the Bhakthi List to remind members of 
(1)previous discussions on this riveting subject
(2) the academic nature of our discussions 
(3) the definition of context for such discussions 
(4) the need to move on unless there is some
revelatory (new) insight (5) the role of Acharyas 
in clarification of doubts in these areas and 
(6) the appeal to continue these discussions 
off line without stifling debate .

The same code of conduct may be used 
for future instances too, where debate 
on controversial topics have lasted 
too long. 

While on the subject , I wish to invite the attention of
the members of this distinguished and caring list to
the importance of the ancient VedAs in addressing
most of the questions that plagues humanity time and again.

The eternal relevance of VedAs in this context is 
unquestionable .

Sri AgnihOthram RaamAnuja TatachAr's 1985 book on
this subject was released by Thirupathi-Thirumalai
Devasthaanam and is a gem among books to show the universal
and empathetic messages laid down by VedAs .He weaves in 
the concepts like the ones below in different chapters 
of his stimulating monograph :

1. Necessity of humanaistic approach to religion;
   Vedic approach is purely humanistic.

2. Cosmic and acosmic consciousness in VedAs , GitA .
   Pursuha sooktam creates cosmic consciousness and
   points out its dependence on acosmic consciousness.

3. Consciousness of contradiction: contradictions in human life, 
   prayers based on universal outlook, importance of ethics ,
   individual in society , anger and ShAnti , crossing 
   difficulties in life.

4. Vedic prayers based on Universal outlook.

5. Dharma consciousness is the bedrock of Hinduism .
   the discipline of Dharma, Volation of dharma goes against
   divine will .

6. Creation of Social Consciousness . The unit of family 
   and codes of conduct among mmebers of the family.

7. Political consciousness in VedAs.Democratic institutions
   in VedAs.

8. Economic Consciousness in vedAs: Importance of wealth,
   different kinds of occupation , VedAs are not against wealth 
   acquired in just manner. 

These gems of thoughts are linked with appropraite Veda ManthrAs
in Swamy's monograph . Manu Smrithis are quoted and linked to 
Vedic thoughts as amplifications of the latter. 

Swamy's main context in writing this book is to point out
Vedas are not anachronistic and they address questions 
related to the material and metaphysical aspirations of 
the people of the world today . Vagaries and the varieties of 
the world are addressed by the vedAs and it is for us to
study the  impact of Vedic consciousness on modern thinking 
on most important topics , such as " Humanitarian
approach, universal outlook, Dharma , politics and
economics , which form the pillars of theedifice of
human existence". 

Tis book is a reference book for understanding the " Eternal 
relevance of VedAs" for our troubled times .

V.Sadagopan 





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