We have even ceased to recognize that such Guruparampara is still there to guide us

 

Namasmaranam is not prescribed by Shruti or Smritis.. the maxim “Kalau Sankeetya Keshavam” is not derived from any Dharmasastra. I just want to underline one point. If we are not able to perform, it is a weak point for us. We can choose to denounce smritis. Or just perform rituals as much as possible and just leave it at without making any justifications. Some are even forced to leave their old parents at Old age homes, some are forced to keep the dead body of dear ones in morgue even a month. That is all helplessness. For helplessness, no justification or explanation is necessary. However, Namasmaranam will not substitute for Sandyavandanam, Pooja, or Sraddham. The helplessness is not a fault, but trying to find justification in treading a path not prescribed as an alternative will just not do.

If a Brahmin is saying that he is not going to perform Sandhya or Sraddham, no one is blaming him anyway. He is a brahma bandhu rather than a Brahmin.. That is all.

Amendments have been made to rituals by great people like Vaidyanatha Deekshita, with the consent of Gurus of the status or pontiffs of Kanchi and Sringeri. In fact the age-old Sraddham and Aparakriya procedures were impossible to follow.The Sapindeekaranam was to be conducted only on the first annual anniversary. And if the Kartha dies by that time, the departed soul had no way of reaching pitru hood. For Tamil Brahmins this provision was amended by our gurus. I think some other Brahmins actually face the problem even now. By consensus, even now our great gurus are there, great scholars and Vedic pandithas are there. Vidvat Sadas Can be convened and amendments can be effected.. without change to the basic principles contained in the shastras.. In fact the Supreme Court Decision in the case of Meenaakshi Temple Priests is such an attempt.. The Honourable Bench did it- the issue must have been decided by the Gurus for the Shivacharya, the Kanchi and Sringeri Mutt, and various Aadheenams in that State... This I state with utmost respect for the Apex Court. I am no one to challenge the Wisdom of the Hon’ble Court..

Of course our problems is that, instead of using the August offices of our Gurus for advice and guidance in the proper running of our religious and social lives, we just pay lip service to them.. We have even ceased to recognize that such Guruparampara is still there to guide us.