Vaishnite sect

[Spiritualseeker]

Namaste,

I basically have just read much about the Shaivite sect. The only information on Vaishnite I have come across is the explanation of Bhagavad Gita by Paramahansa Yogananda's disciple. I am hoping someone can help me learn more about Vaishnava. I am considering Vaishnava aswell since I am doing the self realization fellowship course, though it is non sectarian I think that Paramahansa Yogananda was a Vaishnite and I like to think of him as my guru since he established the self realization fellowship. So perhaps I will find myself as a vaishnite in the future who knows.

A couple questions: Briefly what is the vaishnite views that differ with Shaivites?

And if I ever did become a Vaishnite could I still make Puja to Lord Siva and Lord Ganesha?

[Spiritualseeker]

Can someone please answer.

[Arjuna]

Your question is easier asked than answered. However let me attempt to give a reasonably succinct answer.

Vaishnavites do not seek the Absolute in the roundabout way of worshiping the various multiplicities of the Absolute but rather we seek to realize the Absolute directly.

We also make puja and pay our deepest respects to all of the auspicious forms of the Absolute. But as explained above the primary focus of our practice seeks to realize both the self and God by the most direct route possible.

You can wander around the base of the mountain for some time. You may even spend time warming up but eventually you will be compelled to embark upon the greatest venture that any Atman can ever undertake. Climb!

I hope we'll meet somewhere on that moutanside!

Aum Hari Hari,
Arjuna

[Jai Mata Di]

In my own opinion - I just say worship whomever you feel close to as I feel that Ganesha, Mata, Shiva etc all speak to you on a purpose and it will be madness to ignore them.

But to me, Vaishnites are purely Vishnu and all his reincarnations and the incarnations of Krishnaji.

[Sivadasa]

Sri Acharya is well versed in Sri Vaisnava sect and could answer answer questions about the various Vaisnava sects. I myself am Smartha and a dasanami sannyasi of the Adi Shankaracharya parampara. I agree with Jai Mata Di's remarks. Whatever form of of the Supreme you feel closest to, or best relate to, that form should be your anchor and your starting point. No matter what sect or which ishtadeva you choose, if you progress upon the path of self-realization you will eventually come to realize that Brahmam, the formless, the Supreme, is fully present in all His various forms. In short, the are all ONE. The only other advice I can give you is that the truest Saivite sees Lord Shiva in Lord Vishnu, and the truest Vaisnav sees Lord Vishnu in Lord Shiva, while both see the Divine Mother ever present. HARIHARASHAKTI AUM!

[Dharmapala]

Sri Acharya is well versed in Sri Vaisnava sect and could answer answer questions about the various Vaisnava sects. I myself am Smartha and a dasanami sannyasi of the Adi Shankaracharya parampara. I agree with Jai Mata Di's remarks. Whatever form of of the Supreme you feel closest to, or best relate to, that form should be your anchor and your starting point. No matter what sect or which ishtadeva you choose, if you progress upon the path of self-realization you will eventually come to realize that Brahmam, the formless, the Supreme, is fully present in all His various forms. In short, the are all ONE. The only other advice I can give you is that the truest Saivite sees Lord Shiva in Lord Vishnu, and the truest Vaisnav sees Lord Vishnu in Lord Shiva, while both see the Divine Mother ever present. HARIHARASHAKTI AUM!

Namaste, Sivadasa. Welcome to the Sanatana Dharma Forum. Just one quick correction to your above statement. Sri Acharyaji is extremely knowledgeable about all the traditions of Sanatana Dharma, including Saiva, Shakta, Vaishnava and Smarta...not just the Vaishnava tradition.

More, while he is himself initiated, and recognized as an Acharya, in the Vaishnava tradition, I've seen in my own discussions with him that he very rarely makes these distinctions. He feels that rather than focusing on unnecessary divisions between Dharmis, it is better to emphasize that we are all followers of the Vedic system. Each person is free to worship as they wish in Sanatana Dharma, as long as they do so in an authentic manner, in conjunction with the scriptures and rishis, and with sincerity and humility. Whether they call themselves "Vaishnava", "Saiva", "Shakta", or "Smarta" doesn't really concern him. He takes a truly non-sectarian Dharmic approach to Sanatana Dharma. He only asks that people equip themselves with authenticity and knowledge of that which they claim to believe and practice.

Take care,

Dharmapala Dasa

[Lakshmi Ravu]

Namaste, Sivadasa. Welcome to the Sanatana Dharma Forum. Just one quick correction to your above statement. Sri Acharyaji is extremely knowledgeable about all the traditions of Sanatana Dharma, including Saiva, Shakta, Vaishnava and Smarta...not just the Vaishnava tradition.

More, while he is himself initiated, and recognized as an Acharya, in the Vaishnava tradition, I've seen in my own discussions with him that he very rarely makes these distinctions. He feels that rather than focusing on unnecessary divisions between Dharmis, it is better to emphasize that we are all followers of the Vedic system. Each person is free to worship as they wish in Sanatana Dharma, as long as they do so in an authentic manner, in conjunction with the scriptures and rishis, and with sincerity and humility. Whether they call themselves "Vaishnava", "Saiva", "Shakta", or "Smarta" doesn't really concern him. He takes a truly non-sectarian Dharmic approach to Sanatana Dharma. He only asks that people equip themselves with authenticity and knowledge of that which they claim to believe and practice.

Take care,

Dharmapala Dasa

Very true. I would agree that endless chatter about this sampradaya versus that sampradaya only serves to divide Hindus. The reason why God has provided several different sampradayas in Sanatana Dharma is because not everyone is necessarily looking to achieve the same end in spiritual life. God is very gracious, and Dharma is very accommodating.