NamaskAram SrI vELukkudi KrishNan SwAmy,
AdiyEn hopes this message finds dhEvarIr in good health and high spirits. AdiyEn is writing with utmost respect and humility to seek clarification on a particular statement made during dhEvarIr’s discourse on SrI rAmAyaNam in enpani app. DhEvarIr mentioned that BharathAzhwAn did not consider the proper circumstances while performing SaraNAgathi to PerumAL, contrasting it with ANdAL’s statement in ThiruppAvai, “ArAyndhu aruL,” which indicates a thorough inquiry before making a request. This was interpreted to mean that men are less intelligent than women.
As a devoted follower of the SrIvaishNava sampradAyam and an admirer of dhEvarIr’s teachings, adiyEn felt compelled to discuss this matter in the light of our revered tradition and the teachings of our AzhwArs and AchAryas.
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Respect for All SrIvaishNavas: Our sampradAyam teaches us to respect all SrIvaishNavas, regardless of their varNam, ASramam, or gyAnam. This respect is BhagavAn’s foremost expectation from His devotees, and any form of discrimination based on physical or social attributes is contrary to our sampradAyic values.
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Equality of JIvAthmAs: The essence of SrIvaishNavam is the inherent equality of all jIvAthmAs, who are all servants of SrIman nArAyaNa. The notion of intelligence or capability based on gender is not supported by our scriptures or the teachings of our pUrvAchAryas.
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Context in Scriptural Examples:
- BharathAzhwAn’s SaraNAgathi: BharathAzhwAn’s approach to SaraNAgathi was driven by his intense devotion and urgency to rectify the perceived injustice. His actions reflect a different context and urgency rather than a lack of intelligence.
- ANdAL’s “ArAyndhu aruL”: ANdAL’s approach, emphasizing inquiry and request, showcases a different aspect of devotion and surrender. Both approaches highlight the diversity of devotional expressions and should be appreciated for their unique contexts and circumstances.
AdiyEn kindly requests dhEvarIr’s esteemed guidance on how to interpret these examples from SrI rAmAyaNam and ThiruppAvai in alignment with the teachings of our AzhwArs and AchAryas, ensuring that our understanding and practice remain true to the core principles of SrIvaishNavism.
adiyEn thank dhEvarIr very much for dhEvarIr’s time and consideration. AdiyEn looks forward to dhEvarIr’s response.
adiyEn rAmAnuja dhAsan.