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nityanushtAnams....

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Sriram Ranganathan • October 6, 2000 


Dear bhAgavathAs,

A few weeks back, I was discussing with some of my friends about religion
and philosophy in general and also about Sri Vaishnavam, scriptures etc.,
based on my current understanding. As usual, several opinions were
expressed, and we agreed on some and differed on many. But in the end I was
left with very intriguing questions:

Is it okay to worship our Perumal, perform our nitya anushtAnams without
necessarily chanting sanskrit or tamizh slokams? Will it be correct or
enough to meditate on the essence of vEda mantrams and other slokams without
actually performing specific procedures like Achamanam, ArAdhanam,
parishEsanam etc.? In other words, should one go by the protocol always or
adapt and adopt the same based on individual mental comfort depending on
time and ability?

Personally, I feel, as an exception it is okay if one is unable to perform
elaborate ArAdhanams on a daily basis, but should definitely spend some
time, preferably in front of our Perumal and focus one's thoughts upon Him
with love, humility and sincerity - even if it is for only a few minutes.
However, the ideal and correct thing to do will be to learn and follow the
protocol and enjoy the true experience / anubhavam.

Having said that, like everyone else, I am still learning to discipline my
life between demanding work environment and home, and therefore I am always
making compromises for lack of time. For e.g. many a days I had to rush
through the prayer process and am clearly unhappy about it. I set myself
specific goals but there are always some unexpected demands - like a call
from work when I am planning to spend some more time to learn a slokam. As
it is, many of us undertake only brief versions of our prayers - yet even
this appears to be at risk? How should I / anyone approach these and related
issues on a day-to-day basis? Are "discipline" and "time-management" the
only simple answers? Or is it indeed okay to maintain status quo as long as
one feels comfortable? Were do we draw the line, with respect to performing
the daily religious obligations as Sri VaishnavAs?

Would appreciate your opinions, suggestions, and pointers to previous
replies for similar queries.

Thanks.

Sriram




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