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RE: On the nature of our faith...

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Vijay Triplicane • January 18, 1999 


Dear Srinath,
    Your mail regarding the kalai differences was interesting. I think
your thoughts represented most of the bhakti list members.  In fact I
liked your perspective on this bhakti list forum, where all of us think
aloud and voice our thoughts freely... Thats how it should be.
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but then, where else [other than in the presence of bhakti list
members as yourselves] could I freely voice my thoughts about
Srivaishnavism?
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One minor correction though:
you said:
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But the fundamental divide really, is
the age-old issue of prefering samskRit vs. Tamil, or vice-versa.  This
preference for language of composition resulted in rivalry between

^^^^^^
piLLai lOkAchArya and vedAntha deSikan.
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I am sure you didn't mean to use the word "rivalry" here. But just to
clarify, for others, Sri piLLai lOkAchAryar and Sri vEdhAntha dEsikar
were definitely much much beyond such 'rivalries'. Rivalry is just an
outward expression of one's egocentric character. Could we think, even
for a moment, that our great AchAryAs carried such thoughts? That would
be a great insult to them. Much worse, this goes to prove how much we
have misunderstood and misrepresented their thoughts. From what little I
know, they both respected each other very much, appreciated each others'
differences and they were engrossed in the bhagavadh/bhAgavadha
kaimkaryam that they wouldn't even have had time to engage in such
rivalries. It is just us, the later generation, due to the economic
benefits from the British administration, amplified these differences
and tickled our fanatic nerves, the one thing that comes naturally to
all of us and one of the easiest things to do.

We should just think loudly and clearly. Yes! There exists some
differences between the two kalais. I personally prefer one over the
other in most cases. Let me follow what I feel right. At the same time
let my mind be little broad enough that I don't unduly criticize the
other school of thought. After all the other school also had had great
AchAryAs. They have done great service as a bhAgavadha. They have
contributed so much to what we all proudly possess as SrivaishNavam.

    Above all, once we entertain such thoughts of rivalry and try to
misrepresent our AchAryAs we are deeply hurting their hearts. We atleast
do not want to do this.

    I think I digressed too far... There is so much in common to sit
back, relax and enjoy all our lives. Lets just do that. Its easier...

adiyEn irAmAnusa dhAsan
Vijay Triplicane
(Viji)



--
Vijay Triplicane