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Re: Century Old Argument

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msriram • March 17, 1998 


Sundar, 
	You are right about doing something in the present day, but in
order for us to do something in the present day, we need to know our past,
our history and about our acharyas who have given us a way of life.

	A lot of things have changed in me after my recent trip to India
where I had the opportunity to deeply understand our traditional sri
vaihnavite way of living.  In order for us to eradicate problems between
Tengalites and Vadagalites, we need to understand the basis of the
problem.  The solution many a times is in the problem itself.

	About many traditional Vaishnavites not recognizing Ayyappa swamy,
I would like to clarify that as well.  Our traditions although teach us to
respect all Gods and all forms of him, we as vaishanavites are supposed to
pray to Vishnu and his forms(dasavatara).  Likewise, correct me if I am
wrong, Shaivites also have the same kind of concepts.  If you recall, in
great old days, no one even prayed to any avataras, only to trimurtis.
A lot of traditional families don't even go to shaivite temple even.  Only
to Vishnu Temple.  When you change the yagnopaveetam, vishnavaits will use
only the yagnopaveetam with Vishnu mantram.  I am not sure if I am making
any sense but, hopefully I have clarified something atleast.  I am sure
learned scholars of our list will elaborate on this.

Manjula V. Sriram
Programmer/Analyst
414-798-8560 ext 1199

On Tue, 17 Mar 1998 Sundar.Rahjan@na.manpower.com wrote:

> 
> Dear  members,
> 
> I would like to add my comments, on the above issue.
> 
> Certainly in the present day situation, one should not
> argue over the supremacy of  Hindu Gods.
> We should unite and  safe guard our religion to the
> from the external and internal forces.
> 
> But there is a past there is a history.  Most of us  are
> ordinary  business people and spend some of our
> time  in reading religious books performing poojas etc.
> 
> There are great saints like Sri Namalwar, Thiru Mangai Alwar,
> Sri Appar, Sri Sundarar .... who lived in the past and have
> identified some thing and which is not questionable.
> 
> The technologies  like  software concepts can change over
> time, not the religion. Bhagwad Gita is still the same.
> Holy  Bible is still the same so is Thiru murai and Thiruvai Mozhi.
> 
> So instead of  giving  different pictures to the past by giving
> some  proverbs or sitthar songs ( which never  formed the base
> of neither the Saivam nor the Vaishnavam), we can do whatever
> things possible from the present day  perspective to strengthen
> our whole society.
> 
> Some of the things according to me (which worked out very well
> in many places In India)
> 
> 1) Trying to collect funds for renovation any Hindu temple irrespective
> of these affiliations.
> 2) If our youngsters are attracted towards temples  like Swami Ayyappan
> encourage them ( I find still some orthadox vaishnavities as well as
> saivities  not recongnizing the Sri Ayyapa worship).
> 3) Trying to go to all temples around our area especially during the
> important days. ( We  will get to know various people and can help within
> ourselves  on
> religious activities).
> 4) Trying to totally eradicate the  animosity still exist between our sub
> sects
> like  Vadakali and Thenkalai. ( How can we  talk of unity when we have
> suprem court case  over the Thiruman (Namam) to a elephant of a particular
> temple ).
> 
> Your's
> 
> S. Sundar
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>