Brahmins and Sasthra Beliefs

The topic, as somebody may suggest, could have been made Brahmins and beliefs of Sasthra. But it was not changed so because we are afraid that the meaning may change and lead to the impression that the belief in Sasthrea is discussed. It is not our intention, expression or submission to have any doubt, debate or divide on the subject and object of Sasthras and the role and utility they play in our community for the betterment and uplift. We do agree with the majority of the Brahmin Community in the matters of Sasthras and feel as they do that Sasthras are our model code of life and should be preserved at any coost.There is no alternative or better testimonies to get a glimpse of our past glories than Sasthras. It is our duty and obligation to fallow, interrupt and enhance those findings and essence of Sasthras in our dad to day life to our maximum capacity.

Our intention of writing this article is some thing special and extra ordinary. We wish to point out an after effect, may be a side effect, that has occurred in the long time treatment of adherence. In the process and during the period of sincere following of Sathras, some kind of strictness became the bench mark of genuine belief in Sasthras. A blind and deep inherence of some practices, not taking the relevance of time in to account, made things a little odd. The reasons and needs of such practices did change by the compulsions and complications so many out ward as well as inward inventions of enverment elements. There is no harm or sin to question such strict adherence of such out dated practices still in use under and in the name of Sasthras. It will not amount even in a small way to the neglect and discard of divine Sasthras. Nor it means that all the customs and practices preached and followed are bad or to be skipped.

We fully aware that pointing out certain practice as irrelevant is very difficult and needs an over all approval from vast sections of society. What is odd for some body may be perfect for others. Family tradition, village habits and personal experience, all constitute a very important part in shaping and continuing a custom or practice. These things do not vanish with time and the mark and seal of such practice particles remain for ever and get carried away to the future generations.

Our purpose of elaborating this known to all explanation is to emphasize that it should not be taken as the expiation of a negative stance. Things should move in an orbit of acceptance.

Some practices prevailing among us under the weight of beliefs only. They deserve a discussion and should be left out should a need arise.

Facing a single Brahmin on our door or at the start of the journey is one such belief. The origin of the belief may be related to the funeral practices. What ever the causes and process of this practice to have continued so far and wide, we honestly feel that it should not be included in our Sasthra belief list. For sheer compulsion of convenience at least we may relent.

Avoiding good things on Tuesday also has the echo and origin of the ill effect of the star by the same name (Chaevai - Mangalik = Venus)

Some beliefs like this, though practiced in the name of Sasthras has no authentic sanction of Sasthras nor have a place in any of the Samskaras or Suthras.

Any contrary mention anywhere to the nearest conclusive comprehension is welcome and we are prepared to get corrected.

பிராமணர்களும் சாஸ்திர நம்பிக்கைகளும் மரியாதை மஹோத்ஸவம் - தொடர்ச்சி