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SriRangaSri List Archive: Message 00095 Jan 2006

 
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Dear Sir,
 
In my observation, generally presentation of any particular sub-set of Hinduism 
like Vaishnavism, Srivaishnavism, Veerashaivism etc receive a much better 
treatment. 
 
However, generic Hinduism/India  receives a very shabby  treatment, just like
you hav ementioned. Even academic scholars of Indian/Hindu up bringing 
typically,
start their Hinduism chapter with Gandhi, untouchability,and Babri Masjid- as 
if these 
are some great aspects! This will be like starting a chapter on islam with 9/11 
or chapter 
on christianity with slavery, colonialism, Hitler or inquisition. 
 
This is very similar to India(ns) as a whole as well- great individuals
poor community!
 
I think the need of the hour is how to present/protect Hinduism as a whole in 
the right spirit,
and not worry about countless sects, which only present partial truths with 
partiality, however
dear it may be to us!
 
I use the attached article while presenting generic Hinduism, and is very well 
received.
 
 
When they ask me is cow holy?
I ask them, tell me which animal is not holy.
 
When they ask why Hindus are against cow slaughter or consuming beef?
 
I tell them it is more to do with culture than religion. 
Just like Americans do not eat dog, whereas in parts of Russia, Nagaland-
Christians do eat dog.
 
 
dAsan,
 
K.S. tAtAchAr
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Rajaram Venkataramani <v_raja_ram@xxxxxxxxx>
To: srirangasri@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sat, 21 Jan 2006 00:01:07 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [SriRangaSri] Presenting Sri Vaishnavism in American Schools


I would like to present below a great opportunity to present Sri Vaishnavism in 
schools across America and influence millions of school children. Please read 
on 
if interested. 
 
American children are taught that vedas originated at a particular point in 
time 
as recent as 1500 BCE. They present it as such because it is the "scholarly" 
opinion. But "scholarly" opinion is not presented with respect to Jesus 
Mythology. Schools teach Vedic System as per western indological opinion and 
Semitic Religions as per their internal faith system. 
 
Varnashrama system is ridculed without even making the basic attempt to 
understand it. Untouchability is a social practice and has nothing to with 
Vedas 
or varnashrama. But children are taught to identify social ills such as 
untouchability with the Vedic System. But they are not taught that all semitic 
religions support slavery.
 
The text books make fun of Vedic personalities including the incarnations of 
the 
lord himself. For example, Lord Rama is called a "monkey-god" in a demaning 
manner. The god of vedas is written in small letter and the God of semitic 
faiths is written in capital letter.
 
They make sweeping generalization about Vedanta as if it is atheistic. There is 
absolutely no recognition of the fact that there are different schools of 
interpretation.
 
I am part of a group working on correcting presentation of "Hinduism" as one 
monolithic structure and ensuring that different vedic schools are presented as 
per their  respective internal faith system. This will ensure parity among all 
faiths semitic and non-semitic on the American land. 
 
Here is an opportunity for Sri Vaishnavas to present the  this parama vaidhika 
tradition great acharyas.  The beliefs of Sri Vaishnavas in Sriman Narayana 
Varnashrama System, Cyclical Time etc., can be presented. To do this, it needs 
a 
team of intelligent educated volunteers who can work on the presentation. If 
they have the energy and the courage, they can contribute to the legal battle 
also. But that is not mandatory. But I request that sri hnavas with a standing 
are put together to present to present Sri Vaishnava tradition in an authentic 
manner. 
 
Please pass this information on to scholarly, renown Sri Vaishnavas and help in 
putting to gether a team. 

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