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From: Greg Jay (gregjay_at_poi.net)
Date: Sun Jun 21 1998 - 22:05:05 PDT
Namaskaram, Regarding the arguments for and against recitation of the Ashtakshara mantra by non-brahmin Vaisnavas. I believe this is one of those Vadakalai/Tengalai differences of opinion. Recently Sri Sadagopan has quoted the view that the mantra has the same effect when chanted with or without the Pranava. I believe the Tengalai Acharyas disagree with this statement. I mean no disrespect of Sri Vedanta Desika or his followers by pointing this out. I would also like to point out that Ashtakshara means eight letters (syllables) and it is not correct to call a mantra of only seven letters (syllables) Ashtakshara. I believe that Vadakalai Acharyas have tried to compensate for this lack of one letter by giving the letter "Am" to ladies and non-brahmins in place of the Pranava. I would humbly request where the shastra pramanam for such a substitution can be found. I can certainly see the sense in not speaking any mantra in public which is considered secret (rahasya). However it seems to me that a group of initiated Tengalai Sri Vaisnavas (whether male/Brahmin or not) could openly discuss it. Similarly a group of initiated Vadakalai Sri Vaisnavas (if male/Brahmin) could also, and if not male/Brahmin could observe their protocol by omission or substitution of the Pranava. However it seems strange to directly speak a secret mantra in an assembly of those who have not received it. adiyen Keshava das