----- Original Message -----
From: sampath
kumar
Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2001 9:39 PM
Subject: Emperumanar Darsanam Taking care of a
Srivaishnavite My doorbell rang at 2.30 p.m. in the
afternoon,a day when the Sun God was at His peak and no sign of the Rain god
anywhere near Chennai.Open the door and an old man ,must be in the age
group of 80 plus with a bag on his shoulder enters the house
and I pay my respects to him having known him.The Swamin a true
Srivaishnavite,has been performing religious ceremonies like Ammavasya Tharpanam
etc.He has the wonderful habit of visiting houses on important days to
distribute "Saradu" for ladies and Yagnopaveedam for gents .Since we have
our Aavani Avittam later in the month, he had come to our house.We
offered him butter milk and he wanted to take some rest .After sometime my wife
asked him as to why he should take all the trouble to walk in the
scorching sun,climb the first floor,when his eye sight is very bad and added to
it his hearing capacity has detriorated very badly.
The the story unfolded,a story which according to
me should be very common among the Srivaishnavites.
In short it is like this.He has sons well settled
who do not like him to be in this "profession".Over a period they do not take
care for him and he has to fend for himself and finds immense satisfaction
in doing this .What he said little later was startling".Even if I sitat
home as they desire, I am sure they would still not care for me.I have become a
liability and of no use to them at this old age ".During our recent visit
to States I was discussing with NRI s on various issues and one issueon
which every one was concerned but at the same time hoplessly helpless was
regarding OLD AGE of their near and dear ones.They have realised the tons of
money they earn can not solve the the problems associated with
old age.Family ties are breaking,materialistic world engulfing them and on
top of it the ADJUSTMENT problem.All these at the end of the day
make them feel what is the purpose in living in this world.Compare this NRIS
with the old man at Chennai.The problem remains the same except that
one can be called POOR Rich old man and the other POOR
old man.
Every one must be wondering what has this got to do
with Emperumanar Darsanam.Has OUR GREAT ACHARYA RAMANUJA SAID
ANYTHING TO TAKE CARE OF A SRIVAISHNAVITE IN DISTRESS AND WHO IS IN NEED
OF HELP.
Let me conclude for the time being on
this.
Jaya Sriman Narayana
Sri Mudaliyandan Swami shishya sampath
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