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Ramanuja List Archive: Message 00045 Jun 2002

 
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Respected Ramanuja Bhaktas,

I cannot help but share in the pain that all of you are feeling in the recent 
on-slaught
of misinformation that is spreading rapidly in other lists, what to speak of 
popular
magazines such as Sapthagiri Vani. So much so, that I have become reluctant to 
contribute
anything to Bhakti, SV-General,or any other list than this one, in fear that 
someone would
quote from my limited knowledge to create another set of conconcted gossip.

I am gaining a little courage now though, in the knowledge that all of this can 
really
only reflect back on the author's of these concocted stories, as it is clear 
indication of
their inability to truly understand the vast knowledge and compassionate nature 
of our
poorvachAryas and our siddhAntam.

Regarding the TTD article, I am somewhat familiar with the political/social 
framework that
led to the desire to discredit the role of Ramanuja in SriVaishnavam. What some 
of you may
find surprising is that part of this misinformation orginally had much of the 
same
intention as postings about Ramanuja not prostrating before Thirukacchinambi, 
NamperumAl
not wanting to hear anything other than dEsika stOtrams, etc. The inaccuracies 
just grew
bigger until they went out of control. And this despite repeated attempts by 
both Western
and Eastern scholars to show otherwise, if only for the purpose of maintaining 
some
semblance of historical accuracy and objectivity.

I do not think that we should be expecting more efforts from our scholars on 
this. As Sri
Venkatesh has said, they have been trying for years now, and their wisdom is 
falling on
deaf ears. What to speak, then, of we lay followers, whose knowledge is very 
limited and
diluted by our own desires and experiences?

After several years of struggling with this, I think that the best that we can 
do is
simply to leave well enough alone, letting those who wish to follow false 
teachings to
simply follow them; and letting those who wish to print historical inaccuracies 
and
out-and-out lies do so, because none of their words will sell at all to those 
who know
something about the value of Bhagavad Sri Ramanuja Darshanam.

Instead, let us, as Sri Mukundan has so aptly stated re-focus our energies on 
becoming
better role models of Ramanuja Sampradayam. Most important to this, of course, 
is gaining
a proper and consistent understanding of such concepts as nirhEtuka kripai and 
prapatti.
But, I would also concur and wholeheartedlys support Mukundan in his suggestion 
that we
seek out ways to improve how we project our sampradAyam in our temples, in our 
day-to-day
interaction with our friends and family, and even in how we conduct ourselves 
at our
workplace.

Let us, through His Unbounded Grace, strive in our spirtual growth so that each 
of us can
become role models of what it means to be a Ramanuja Dasa/Dasi, exemplifying 
good
character, honesty, integrity, tolerance, magnanimity, and love for Sriman 
Narayana and
all His Creation. Let us try and get to a level that even a Westerner would 
identify
someone wearing a srichUrnam or thiruman with a person who is ready and willing 
to serve
the Good. Personal experience has shown me how this positive approach is not 
only good
for ourselves on individual levels, but it actually makes the rest of the world 
better
appreciate the good things that Ramanuja Darshanam can bring into their lives.

Human beings are generally very insightful. And, it has been interesting to 
observe in
our gatherings here in Denver how even those having little if any knowledge of
SriVaishnavam have been able to discern the difference between the two 
"schools" on their
approach to sampradayAm and the community at large. And so far, the Vedics 
activities that
are done here through the auspices of its local sister organization, the 
Ramanuja Society,
have been receiving accolades from the community for their family-oriented, 
inclusionary,
and simple, devotional approach. Indeed, I can cite examples of once 
non-practicing
SriVaishnava families who once made every effort not to attend gatherings in 
the past, who
are now participating and showing active interest in Ramanuja and his 
teachings. All it
took from us was to take express our faith and love for Ramanuja as word and 
acts of
kindness to all who attend our gatherings.

So, as Sri Mukundan has said, let us move move away from an "eye for an eye" 
approach and
refocus on the good things that we can do, both individually, and as a group to 
share the
All-inclusive Vision of Sri Ramanuja Sampradayam with everyone.

adiyEn rAmAnuja dAsan
Mohan




Pattangi wrote:

> Dear Followers/Aspirants of Ramanuja Sampradaya:
> Please accept adiyEN's humble pranams:
>
> "An eye for an eye will make the whole world "Half" blind" & Fully ignorant.
>
> By the Grace of Lord and PurvAcharyas, We should try to develop in ourselves 
> and
> those around us, qualities that acharyas have shown.
>
> Let be truthful and address the Facts:
> ==========================================================
> 1. We have problems. (Monetary, Education, Numbers, Dedication, Infights).
>
> 2. On top of all this we find Kalai based issues in the past and present.
>
> 3. Others spreading mis-information and causing further damage.
> ==========================================================
>
> Solutions:
> ========
> We have to make an effort (With HIS NIRHETUKA KRIPA) to do the following
> where ever we are:
>
> 1. Educate ourselves and those around us.
> a. Towards this we have great scholars teaching us fro India
> We have Local group meeting (weekly, monthly), please start a VEDIC group
> in your area and promote Bhagawath Ramanuja's message (True to the LORD)
> b. Lean the basics and learn to Chant the basics
> (Whatever/Whenever you can teach it to others)
> =======================================================
> Start/Promote VEDIC GROUPs and get more poeple involved in the Ramanuja 
> Sampradaya
> =======================================================
> Build Vedic Communitites where ever you go.
>
> 2. We are the representatives to the outside world (for our sampradayam)
> Behave accordingly, Never loose our temper, Never use foul language,
> In public and private never committ any Bhagawatha Apacharam (Even in thought)
> =======================================================
> Develop and promote Vedic Role Models in the Community
> =======================================================
>
> 3. Get more and more people involved, Ramanuja Sampradayam is for everyone,
> (There is no Community, Caste, Race Barrier ) get this message out and get
> this message out & get all those interested IN the ramanuja samprayda, list
> and community.
> =======================================================
> Numbers: Start/Develop and promote Vedic communities
> Build VEDIC Communities all over the world
> =======================================================
>
> These are very basic points, but we have been blessed by Lord to be able to
> do something, so lets try and do our best.
> Put in as much time as you can towards this,and in 2 to 3 years we can see 
> the change.
>
> If you are interested in starting a Vedic Chapter in your area, feel free
> to send a mail to acharyas@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> azhwAr emperumAnAr JeeyAr thiruvadigalE sharanam
>
> adiyEn rAmAnuja dAsan
> Mukundan Vangkipuram Pattangi
> http://www.radioramanuja.com
>
>
> azhwAr emberumAnAr jeeyAr thiruvadigalE saranam
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/





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