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RE: Sri Mani's request

From the Bhakti List Archives

Mohan Sagar • July 28, 1997 


Dear Sri Prasad,

I am at a loss to understand why you have made such comments.  It seems to
me that Mani's request was intended to reduce multiple postings from the
more erudite members of this forum to give all of us time to thoroughly read
the material.  I do not at all think that it was to be used as a pretext to
complain about the members of this forum or the subjects that they are
writing about.

I would concur with the comments of the others that the focus of this forum
is - and should always be - SriVaishnavism.  For it is this very religion -
and the wondrous Deity who is at the center of it - that has brought
together people from around this nation and the world and transformed them
into a unique extended community.  Yes, our discussions may sometimes become
heady, and at times long winded. But, from these, we have found a sense of
comaraderie and support in our spiritual interests, and a source of
knowledge to further us in our path.

Be that as it may, however, there is one point that you made that caught my
attention:

>I have tried but unsuccessfully,  to
>get some of the youth members of our society to subscribe to the group. They
>came forward but backed off after a short while. The reason given to me was
that
>the postings were too lengthy, repetitive, too abstract and at times too
>outdated in some ways. Though I do not totally agree with this point of view, I
>surely think that there is more truth to it than meets the eye.
>

Perhaps, the "youth members" of your community would find some comfort in
knowing that the very founder of this forum, Sri Mani Varadarajan, being in
his mid-twenties, is a "fellow youth member," if that's how you define it.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised to know how many members of this
forum are under the age of thirty.  Indeed, their level of dedication and
interest in our religion should be an inspiration to their counterparts,
both in India and the US.  As for myself, I am 32, and really do not
consider myself a "youth" anymore. But, I should state that I have had
interest in understanding our sAmpradayam for over a decade.  I do not wish
to sound boastful of this interest, it is only be due to the Grace of Sriman
Narayana who gave me the gift of pious parents, and more recently, a
tradition-loving wife.

Having been US raised, however, I share your concern that much of our
emerging Asian Indian American Community is losing touch with the strength
and solace that a healthy sense of religion can provide.  I was saddened to
read the above and hope that you will continue in your efforts to encourage
these young people to discover their religious and cultural heritage -
whether or not they find interest in this forum. Perhaps, one day, by His
Grace, these young people will recognize the wisdom of our ancient religion,
or at least, will appreciate the hard work of the erudite members of this group.

adiyEn,

Mohan