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Re: Parasuraama Avathaaram

From the Bhakti List Archives

D2C30T8 • January 5, 1996 


     Dear Sri Sampath,

     Thanks for the clarification. Much that I would like to avoid replying
     and extending the discussion, I am giving in to the pressing need for
     a clarification from my end. I still am not going back on the opinion
     about how hot the contents of your mail were. I was pissed off that a
     mere mention in the passing about another deity can create so much
     controversy. I thought discussions were just discussions - not a
     vivaadha stage. The fact that a person becomes a prapanna and worships
     Divya DampathIs alone, does not automatically confer the right to
     criticize or evaluate in rational terms other moorthIs. This is what I
     meant by groupism. We can avoid such parochial exercises by resorting
     to the following (this is my personal opinion):

     1. Discuss the kalyaana gunaas of para, vyooha, vibhava or
     archaavathaara forms of interest to Sri Vaishnavism or indulge in
     philosophical musings about the greatness of our sampradhaayam (of
     course, without resorting to any bigotry or scandalous remarks about
     other belief systems or philosophies). Discuss about
     Azhwaraachaaryaas.

     2. Discuss all literature and fine arts (music in particular) relevant
     or could possibly become relevant to our sampradhaayam. This is neat
     fun. Also because it is said "Kaavya Shaasthra VinOdhEna KaalO
     Gachchathi Dheemathaam".

     3. Discuss other issues of general interest to the group such as the
     Thondar Kuzhaam charter and activities, 108CD project, contributing
     articles and photos etc.

     4. Discuss about how members living in geographical proximity can find
     some time to meet each other on special vaishnavaite occasions.
     Nothing else can make the clock slower. It is such a treat. Trust me.

     5. Provide information about Jayanthi celebrations, traditional
     festivals, pravachanams, or seminars on our sampradhaayam here in the
     U.S or elsewhere in the world and the participation and experiences of
     our group members.

     It is one thing to bring new and interesting topics for general
     debate. But it is another thing to do it at the cost of disinformation
     about the topic in question. For example, a person cannot be devoted
     to Lord Krishna like Bhaktha Meera and also discuss the rationale
     behind the avathaaram like a dhraavida kazhagam enthusiast. In these
     cases atleast, it must be "Vachchaa kudumi sarachchaa mottai". It is
     better to take a stand, even if it is wrong. But again, taking a stand
     does not mean being unreasonable or prejudiced.

     If my writing, now or earlier, has offended anyone, I apologize for it
     unconditionally. Henceforth, I will correspond only on topics I
     promised I will be committed to.

     Gnaanasyaabharanam Kshamaa (Forgiveness is the ornament of Wisdom).

     Daasasya DaasyOham,

     Dilipan.