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From: muralidhar rangaswamy (rangaswamy_m_at_hotmail.com)
Date: Tue Dec 23 1997 - 07:04:41 PST
Dear Friends,
I am attaching an article from today's Hindu.
Namo Narayana,
Muralidhar Rangaswamy
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[THE HINDU]
Tuesday, December 23, 1997
SECTION: Miscellaneous
Books
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The Almighty assumes different forms
Date: 23-12-1997 :: Pg: 24 :: Col: c
CHENNAI, Dec. 23.
The Supreme Being takes innumerable forms because the
transcendental form is beyond the ken of human reach.
According to Srivaishnava religion the Almighty who is
Sriman Narayana in His eternal abode, Srivaikunta, when
He deigns to create this universe assumes the reclining
form on the milk-ocean (Kshirabdhisayi, Anantasayana).
This is the form from which the Vyuha forms of the Lord
responsible for creation emanate.
In the Tiruppavai, Andal points out this fact in the
opening verses where she identifies Narayana as the
Almighty and subsequently refers to His form on the
serpent couch to point out that from the standpoint of
the devotees this form is more important. Further it is
made clear that it is out of compassion for the sages
and His devotees that the Lord assumes this form.
In his discourse on the Tiruppavai the Jeeyar Swami of
Parakala Math said, the role of Sri as the mediator
(Purushakara) became prominent in His Kshirabhdhisayi
form. While describing the details of the Pavai nonbu
which Andal undertakes with the object of performing
service to Lord Krishna, she stresses that Sri had to be
propitiated first thereby underlining the fact that the
Divine Mother is the very embodiment of Lord's
compassion and grace and that it is possible to approach
Him only through Her intercession.
A legitimate doubt which can arise in this context is
(why Andal should describe the transcendental and Vyuha
forms) when she had undertaken the performance with Lord
Krishna as the end to be attained instead of addressing
Him directly. The commentators have pointed out that it
is to clarify that the Supreme Being had incarnated as
Krishna in Gokul that Andal addresses these forms first.
In the second verse of this hymn Andal points out that
those who are born in this world are most fortunate in
that they have been given an opportunity to express
their devotion to the Lord. There are two aspects to
spiritual practices. There are certain observances which
have to be followed and some which have to be abstained
from. By this process the spiritual aspirant does not
lose sight of the goal to be attained.
That the Nonbu described in the Tiruppavai is for the
sake of spiritual progress and not for any material gain
is another point made right at the outset. All the
rituals described and the actions of the devotee must be
dedicated to the Lord and must be undertaken only for
His pleasure as service to Him. That the Lord can be
approached only through the mediation of the preceptor
is stressed right at the outset.
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