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Priests and Temples

From the Bhakti List Archives

MR MOHAN R SAGAR • November 1, 1996 


(I sent a previous posting regarding this from my office, but it did 
not appear in this evening's E-mail.  If the other message appears, 
please disregard in favor of this one.  Thank you.)

Mr. Tatachar's discussion on the happenings at the Cincinatti Temple 
is very encouraging and inspiring.  It should be an example for 
SriVaishnava communities in other cities.  From my observation, and 
perhaps for similar reasons that Mr. Vijayaraghavan discussed, many 
SriVaishnavas have remained rather quiet about their rich heritage; 
and as Mr. Tatachar points out, seemed to have strayed away from 
involvement in temples.  This in spite of the fact that there a large 
number of temples in the US that have SriVaishnava priests.  As 
interest in our heritage is now, finally, on the increase in this 
country, I certainly feel that it is time for a change.

I think that the support and encouragement for our priests could come 
on an individual basis, as well.  I have discovered that both here 
and even in India, simply wearing a SriChurnam when we attend the 
temple, in show of pride of our heritage, is a big step in showing 
our priests our support for them and the tradition they represent.

Mr. Vijayraghavan also points out:

But reflecting more deeply, what is a true vaishnavite cause.  
External symbols 
are one thing but if we go deeper - it is extending the hospitality 
of love to 
one and all.  Ramanujacharya (Dayaika Sindhu) championed this love to 
one and 
all without any barrier.  Vedanta Desika and Manavala Mamunigal 
further 
reinforced this  by their universal approach of extending the 
prapatti marga to 
every one.  This is the key.  We as individuals who care should use 
our own 
small sphere of influence in bringing the message of our Acharyas to 
the 
public.  Symbolism (which is also an essential aspect of religion) 
will 
automatically follow.

--------------------------------------------------

This is a very poignant and truthful statement.  I personally feel 
that the sublimity and sweetness of our philosophy, combined with its 
magnanimous approach, is something from which many in this modern 
chaotic world could benefit. We all are very Blessed for having 
interest and connection to our Sampradayam, and should be readily 
willing to express this and share it.

Daasanu Daasan,

Mohan