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From: Madhavakkannan V (srivaishnavan_at_hotmail.com)
Date: Sat Dec 01 2001 - 17:05:05 PST
SrI:
SrImathE Gopaladesika mahadesikaya namah:
Dear Sri Mohan,
Thanks for your appreciation. The credit goes to Sri Anand for his original
writing.
Regarding your comments on showing disprespect to devathAntharangaL (demi
gods).. Srivaishnavas should not and do not show any disrespect to others..
The most important Srivaishnava dharma is the develeopment of unflinching,
unconditional and unshakeable faith that only Sriman Narayanan (VishNu) as
the Supreme Being (Paratatthvam), as the Saviour (who grants and can grant
mOksham- Rakshakan). thios would imply that a Srivaishnava does not worship
any one other than VishNu. Thirumangai AzhwAr goes to the extent of saying
that he would not even associtae himself with those who worship others as
Gods... Please note that this view is not be construed as dogmatism because
it arises from the philosophic doctrine of Ultimate Reality; (as declared by
Sage Veda Vyasa.. sathyam; sathyam.. punas sathyam..)It also does not amount
to condemnation or disprespect to other deities..
VishNu is the Only One who can grant mOksham and is mentioned by Siva to
Thirumazhisai AzhwAr; Sage MarkaNdEyar.. The most important goal for human
beings is to get away from samsaaric afflictions, and knowing fully well of
JivAThmAs' swarUpam of being eternal servant and sEshan to the Lord, its
natural for jIvan to serve the Lord.. (sa Eka:- only One- who is VishNu). A
Srivaishnava should show veneration to others since they constitute the
vibUthis or glories of VishNu.. VishNu as all pervasive (vibhu) and inner
controller of all that exists in the Universe is the antharAthmA of other
deities also. The GitA reiterates that the wworshippers of other deities
with bhakthi worship only the Supreme Being (VishNu)(Chapter 9.23)
(Reference: from Sri U Ve SMS Chari Swamin's book on Vaishnavism)
Regards
Narayana Narayana
NarayaNa dAsan madhavakkannan
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