Our Jagadgurus can do it
By R Swaminathan
The themes like "Whither Brahmin?" seem like evergreen topics that have wide attention and acceptance. This is comparable only to the movement we saw when a Rishi like Ramana popularised Atma Vichara (Self Inquiry) or Vivekananda gave his own brand of Advaita Vedanta. Is it a cry in the dark? Or is it a genuine concern for the betterment of the community. But Brahmins must think for a minute that their plight has come to such a pass that they prefer to watch what is happening to their community through soap operas and sponsored serial programmes. No one can be ambitious and impractical enough to argue for a political stake but everyone must think why there is no initiative or endeavour for example from spiritual leaders who head various Mutts to do good to the community.
The Brahmin community is beset with several problems and most of them social and economical. In our society there is lack of recognition or proper voice whenever someone is trampled upon or victimised or vandalised or his efforts bear no fruit.
That there is no spontaneous reaction to acts of injustice is a matter of regret that needs a separate column.
In the economic sphere, we find a large number of families struggling to sort out their family problems like marriage of their daughters and sons. For instance, in a recent swayamvaram held in Chennai for Brahmins we saw how the boys waiting to get married outnumbered the girls by several times. Is it because the Girls (Girls because their economic power has made them Big. and to speak from commanding position) want to delay their marriage or because their parents need their help for a few more years to settle financial issues like early retirement of the father or educational loan of the brother who is right now abroad, or because their minds have been polluted by several cases of the so-called love marriages involving spouses of other communities?
The pathetic situation can be remedied if, and only if , our spiritual leaders or jagadgurus spread a word among the members of the community that they are ready to facilitate or even arrange mass weddings without ostentation and grandeour. Many middle class families try to ape others and become bankrupt, and wallow in debt and poverty the rest of their lives. That their children care little for them once their job is done is a different tear-jerker..
I have heard several anecdotes from my father about how the great sage of Kanchi could inspire people who came to him to help bless the children for an early marriage and how he advocated simple marriages and avoidance of dowry. Many have forgotten his principles and preaching, and are making easy ready-to- handle compromises in today's world.
Let us see how the problems in many well- to- do families can be solved if they are brought together at a function organised by a Mutt Head. The children who get married, without elaborate lunches we see in air-conditioned marriage halls and several times a day for two days or even more, will have respect for simple living and high thinking of the Seer who inspires them to live by the ideals of the traditional Brahmin family.
Brahmin associations also can do a lot for such community weddings on a small scale so that those who are hunting for brides or grooms succeed easily and end up with conducting the marriage as per scriptural injunctions sans all that make-up or paraphernalia.
Marriage is an important event not only for the couple who must strive to make the relationship a permanent and enduring one and extend its benefits to the next generations. It also rids the parents of several worries they have in maintaining their grown-up children and ensuring a safe future. Partners found and bound under the canopy of spiritual organisations will have lasting values, and of course, the new tribe of A to Z Marriage Facilitators will find their going tough after such events. When the event is sought to be made very big, naturally we find it dfficult to organise things to the satisfaction of both sides and there we find middlemen entering and making a fast buck. We can and should end this vicious circle. But will our Jagadgurus extend a helping hand to us and in time?
By R Swaminathan
The themes like "Whither Brahmin?" seem like evergreen topics that have wide attention and acceptance. This is comparable only to the movement we saw when a Rishi like Ramana popularised Atma Vichara (Self Inquiry) or Vivekananda gave his own brand of Advaita Vedanta. Is it a cry in the dark? Or is it a genuine concern for the betterment of the community. But Brahmins must think for a minute that their plight has come to such a pass that they prefer to watch what is happening to their community through soap operas and sponsored serial programmes. No one can be ambitious and impractical enough to argue for a political stake but everyone must think why there is no initiative or endeavour for example from spiritual leaders who head various Mutts to do good to the community.
The Brahmin community is beset with several problems and most of them social and economical. In our society there is lack of recognition or proper voice whenever someone is trampled upon or victimised or vandalised or his efforts bear no fruit.
That there is no spontaneous reaction to acts of injustice is a matter of regret that needs a separate column.
In the economic sphere, we find a large number of families struggling to sort out their family problems like marriage of their daughters and sons. For instance, in a recent swayamvaram held in Chennai for Brahmins we saw how the boys waiting to get married outnumbered the girls by several times. Is it because the Girls (Girls because their economic power has made them Big. and to speak from commanding position) want to delay their marriage or because their parents need their help for a few more years to settle financial issues like early retirement of the father or educational loan of the brother who is right now abroad, or because their minds have been polluted by several cases of the so-called love marriages involving spouses of other communities?
The pathetic situation can be remedied if, and only if , our spiritual leaders or jagadgurus spread a word among the members of the community that they are ready to facilitate or even arrange mass weddings without ostentation and grandeour. Many middle class families try to ape others and become bankrupt, and wallow in debt and poverty the rest of their lives. That their children care little for them once their job is done is a different tear-jerker..
I have heard several anecdotes from my father about how the great sage of Kanchi could inspire people who came to him to help bless the children for an early marriage and how he advocated simple marriages and avoidance of dowry. Many have forgotten his principles and preaching, and are making easy ready-to- handle compromises in today's world.
Let us see how the problems in many well- to- do families can be solved if they are brought together at a function organised by a Mutt Head. The children who get married, without elaborate lunches we see in air-conditioned marriage halls and several times a day for two days or even more, will have respect for simple living and high thinking of the Seer who inspires them to live by the ideals of the traditional Brahmin family.
Brahmin associations also can do a lot for such community weddings on a small scale so that those who are hunting for brides or grooms succeed easily and end up with conducting the marriage as per scriptural injunctions sans all that make-up or paraphernalia.
Marriage is an important event not only for the couple who must strive to make the relationship a permanent and enduring one and extend its benefits to the next generations. It also rids the parents of several worries they have in maintaining their grown-up children and ensuring a safe future. Partners found and bound under the canopy of spiritual organisations will have lasting values, and of course, the new tribe of A to Z Marriage Facilitators will find their going tough after such events. When the event is sought to be made very big, naturally we find it dfficult to organise things to the satisfaction of both sides and there we find middlemen entering and making a fast buck. We can and should end this vicious circle. But will our Jagadgurus extend a helping hand to us and in time?
No comments:
Post a Comment