Reality and thoughts
There are indeed broad-minded swamijis and mathaadipathis. One exemplary individual is Sri Sugunendra Teertharu, the pontiff of Puthige Mutt, Udupi. You may wonder why I am referencing him specifically. Your doubts will be clarified as you continue reading.
Our customs dictate that we should not travel by sea, lest we risk losing eligibility for various concessions and rights. To illustrate this point, consider the restriction on entering the Garbha Gudi if one has traveled overseas, i.e., crossed the Saptha Samudra. The pontiff of Puthige Mutt has traveled to America, Australia, Europe, and Middle Eastern nations, establishing mutts for the benefit of Indians, particularly Brahmins. When Puthige Mutt obtained the "Paryaya" (ಪರ್ಯಾಯ), a two-year term to manage and administer Udupi Mutt, the swamiji faced numerous protests. Many are aware that each of the eight mutts takes turns running Udupi Mutt for a two-year term. I do not wish to delve into the controversies that emerged or the questions raised by other mutts during Sri Sugunendra Teertharu's administration of Udupi Mutt during Puthige Mutt's Paryaya. The point here is the relevance of the age-old custom restricting overseas travel.
Unfortunately, the restriction on overseas travel exists across all sub-castes and communities within the Brahmin community. The learned individuals belonging to Madhwa, Smartha, Srivaishnava, or Iyer sub-castes, or any other sub-caste, assert that the Mathadhipati (pontiff) may send a messenger, but the pontiff themselves should not travel overseas.
Ohh! brahmins... we need to open our eyes..
Things have changed over the centuries. Prior to 1900, sea travel was extremely perilous, and the chances of returning were slim. The non-return of travelers would have a devastating impact on their respective families, putting the members through tremendous hardship. Consequently, pontiffs advised against sea travel. However, since people did not heed this advice, the pontiffs decreed that such travelers would be barred from certain rights and privileges that they would otherwise have enjoyed.
Now that travel has advanced significantly, travelers can be certain of reaching their destination and returning safely. However, some pontiffs are reluctant to adapt, advising instead that people remain happy in India and avoid traveling overseas, claiming that other countries are not karma bhoomi. I challenge these traditionalists to provide a detailed explanation for the use of cars/vehicles by pontiffs while traveling. They should clarify how such travel is justified according to relevant shastras. It is noteworthy that all pontiffs have adopted cars and mobile phones, which are made of iron and steel. According to shastras, iron is not considered "madi" (pure). I am unsure how these modern conveniences are now deemed acceptable and permissible. Similarly, pontiffs are supposed to wear only wooden-made slippers. Who wears timber-made slippers for walking at all times, especially for long distances?
In fact, even in olden days, pontiffs were practical and worked diligently to promote the expansion of the Brahmin community, while also endeavoring to prevent conversions from Hinduism to other religions.
Let us be practical. Now, we must consider the millions of Brahmin community members residing overseas. Their visits to temples and interactions with Brahmin pontiffs would rejuvenate their spiritual energies, thereby preserving our Brahmin tradition. In my personal opinion, I fully support the Puthige Mutt seer. At least, he has taken steps to prevent the potential erosion of Brahmin tradition among the younger generation.
The reality is that millions of Brahmins are located outside Bharata Khanda. In my personal view, we must transmit our traditions to youngsters, who are often aggressive and tend to deviate from customs for various reasons during their youth. The head of the community, the pontiff, can attract a larger audience, and it is customary for the community to listen to and obey their leader. Under these circumstances, we should appreciate the efforts of the chief of Puthige Mutt. If not, we risked jeopardizing the faith of the Brahmin community living abroad.
We must simplify our customs to ensure the continuation of the Brahmin tradition. History clearly indicates that Jainism and Buddhism emerged as a response to the rigidity of Brahminism. ISKCON achieved success worldwide by simplifying customs and practices, although it has had limited impact on Indian Brahmins. The time has passed when Brahmins would convert to other castes or religions, as Brahminism is considered the best. We rarely see upper castes converting to other religions; conversions are more common among lower castes within Hinduism. Personally, I do not distinguish between Brahmin sub-castes, nor do I comment on or praise specific sub-castes. In fact, I oppose rigidity within our community, believing that we should apply common sense and adaptability when following customs.
I have numerous examples, but I'll provide just one: cooking with wood and charcoal is still practiced today in many orthodox families, even in urban areas like Mysore and Hubli. My analysis is that gas and kerosene were not invented until the latter half of the 19th century. Now that every household has a gas stove, I believe it's time to reevaluate the tradition of not accepting gas or kerosene stoves for cooking and preparing Naivedya (offerings) to God. In my view, this rigidity needs to be simplified. Gas and kerosene stoves are not considered "madi" (pure). I advocate for simplifying the customs surrounding Deva Puja. I'm unsure how many people share my views, but I invite those who are interested to consider to read the following article.
I have numerous examples, but I'll provide just one: cooking with wood and charcoal is still practiced today in many orthodox families, even in urban areas like Mysore and Hubli. My analysis is that gas and kerosene were not invented until the latter half of the 19th century. Now that every household has a gas stove, I believe it's time to reevaluate the tradition of not accepting gas or kerosene stoves for cooking and preparing Naivedya (offerings) to God. In my view, this rigidity needs to be simplified. Gas and kerosene stoves are not considered "madi" (pure). I advocate for simplifying the customs surrounding Deva Puja. I'm unsure how many people share my views, but I invite those who are interested to consider to read the following article.
. please read
CLICK-> MADI MADI MADI ENIDU MADI. ಮಡಿ ಮಡಿ ಮಡಿ ಏನಿದು ಮಡಿ?
CLICK-> MADI MADI MADI ENIDU MADI. ಮಡಿ ಮಡಿ ಮಡಿ ಏನಿದು ಮಡಿ?
Let us appreciate the Puthige Mutt pontiff for his tremendous efforts in expanding the mutt's branches overseas, where many of our present Brahmin generations reside today. And please, let us STOP saying that traveling across the seven seas (Saptasamudra prayaana-सप्तसमुद्र प्रयाण) is unacceptable.
Do orthodox agree for Chaturmas vruta by Pontiff in USA? If No, why no?
Similarly considering the climatic conditions for which Chaturmasa was originated..
is it right to follow this vruta in USA? If Yes, why yes?
end- thoughts documented sometime ಇನ್ November 2018
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