I was recently gone from RF for the past week and, in another thread, I had mentioned that I was on vacation. That's partially true, as I indeed needed a break from work and general life, but there was another reason.
For the past few months, I had been studying Ramanuja's Sri Vaishnavism with a couple of people whom have been practicing for years. One is a Tamil Iyengar, the other is an American devotee. In the past, I identified as an Advaitan, as well as a Shaiva-Shakta. I had a budding interest in Vaishnavism about a year ago, but I always brushed it away. Mainly for two reasons: 1.) I saw too many similarities between Vaishnavism and my cultural religion (Christianity) and 2.) I was weary of the Vaishnava stereotypes (primarily pertaining to ISKCON and the like). It took me a little while, but I eventually brushed away my biases and prejudices against Vaishnavism and began exploring it further. Granted, there were times when I stopped and went back to other traditions, but I eventually went back to studying Vaishnavism. I soon discovered that my connection to Narasimha was leading me to a place that I had not thought of before. That I could still have Shiva and Ganesha and still be a Vaishnava. That Vaishnavism isn't merely "Christianity in disguise", but rather a rich tradition filled with culture, philosophy, and saints. As such, I no longer held back my urges and began to seriously practice Vaishnavism.
A while back, I came across a Hindu FB page and began conversing with the admins (both of whom were Sri Vaishnava priests, and one of whom was one of my initiators). After speaking with them over the past few months, I felt this urge to delve into my practice even further. To finally take on the role of Hinduism and integrate it more into my life. As such, when they (my initiators) prepared for Vaikunta Ekadashi, they invited me to their home not only for the holiday, but also offered to perform Upanayana for me. At first, I was hesitant. However, after some thought, I decided that it was time to go further into my religious practice. I had initially though that maybe it was all too soon. but then remembered that, even back when I identified as a strict Shaiva, that I ultimately would want to take on initiation.
And that is just what happened. On New Years Day 2015 (pretty appropriate, eh?) I had my Upanayana. I took on a Hindu name, was given the Gayatri Mantra, as well as other purification rituals, and the sacred thread. I also took on two major vows: lifetime vegetarianism and one year of celibacy. Later on this year, I will begin to learn chants from the Vedas, the Upanishads, Sanskrit, rituals, and other Hindu scriptures like the Gita and the Ramayana. I'm also currently planning a trip to India with my initiators later this year.
All of this may seem like it's out of the blue, but I feel as if I'm doing the right thing for me. That this is the change in my life that I was looking for. That I'm still the same Starry as I was even before New Years Day, but now I'm also something more. A fully initiated Vadakalai Sri Vaishnava.
For the past few months, I had been studying Ramanuja's Sri Vaishnavism with a couple of people whom have been practicing for years. One is a Tamil Iyengar, the other is an American devotee. In the past, I identified as an Advaitan, as well as a Shaiva-Shakta. I had a budding interest in Vaishnavism about a year ago, but I always brushed it away. Mainly for two reasons: 1.) I saw too many similarities between Vaishnavism and my cultural religion (Christianity) and 2.) I was weary of the Vaishnava stereotypes (primarily pertaining to ISKCON and the like). It took me a little while, but I eventually brushed away my biases and prejudices against Vaishnavism and began exploring it further. Granted, there were times when I stopped and went back to other traditions, but I eventually went back to studying Vaishnavism. I soon discovered that my connection to Narasimha was leading me to a place that I had not thought of before. That I could still have Shiva and Ganesha and still be a Vaishnava. That Vaishnavism isn't merely "Christianity in disguise", but rather a rich tradition filled with culture, philosophy, and saints. As such, I no longer held back my urges and began to seriously practice Vaishnavism.
A while back, I came across a Hindu FB page and began conversing with the admins (both of whom were Sri Vaishnava priests, and one of whom was one of my initiators). After speaking with them over the past few months, I felt this urge to delve into my practice even further. To finally take on the role of Hinduism and integrate it more into my life. As such, when they (my initiators) prepared for Vaikunta Ekadashi, they invited me to their home not only for the holiday, but also offered to perform Upanayana for me. At first, I was hesitant. However, after some thought, I decided that it was time to go further into my religious practice. I had initially though that maybe it was all too soon. but then remembered that, even back when I identified as a strict Shaiva, that I ultimately would want to take on initiation.
And that is just what happened. On New Years Day 2015 (pretty appropriate, eh?) I had my Upanayana. I took on a Hindu name, was given the Gayatri Mantra, as well as other purification rituals, and the sacred thread. I also took on two major vows: lifetime vegetarianism and one year of celibacy. Later on this year, I will begin to learn chants from the Vedas, the Upanishads, Sanskrit, rituals, and other Hindu scriptures like the Gita and the Ramayana. I'm also currently planning a trip to India with my initiators later this year.
All of this may seem like it's out of the blue, but I feel as if I'm doing the right thing for me. That this is the change in my life that I was looking for. That I'm still the same Starry as I was even before New Years Day, but now I'm also something more. A fully initiated Vadakalai Sri Vaishnava.
