User:Premasharanam

In Sanskṛt literature, you often see terms such as "tapas" - which according to the Upaniṣads (see the Mahānārāyaṇopaniṣat for more examples) encompasses a range of concepts from truthful speech (satyam) to a commitment to a principle of virtue (dharma) - but when one sees translators take this wealth of meaning and reduce it down to something like "the role of women lies in penance and prayer" - one cannot help but wonder if we are even reading the same scriptures at all. Of course, it may be purely accidental that in the English speaking world, saying things like "the role of women lies in penance and prayer" has certain sexist oppressive overtones that the translators may not be aware of - but if that is the case, we are obliged to ask ourselves: if Sanskṛt literature understands the role and fulfillment of ALL individuals to be found in penance and prayer - the recognition and worship of the divine as present and alive within the hearts of all beings - why is the status of the chastity of women being singled out for a matter of concern by these translators, and not, say, a question of what it truly means to move within Brahman (brahmacārin)?

Look: the scriptures have taught over and over - in countless languages and across time without end - not to judge your brother, your sister, your neighbor, the guest, or the stranger whom you should treat as a God - a messenger of God - a manifestation of divine intelligence and grace incomparable to any other being - singular and unique.

This person may not be the God of the Gods - and this is one reason why we must uphold principles of dharma - of virtue - of following and interpreting the commandments always within context and always anew - but we must still treat and acknowledge the Other with respect and love - and not with judgement.

Listen to the voice of Draupadī - hear the cries of Sītā - for she is bound by no earthly chains - but only with bonds of love to the Lord. She is truly free - for she loves only Truth - and in this there is mokṣa. This is the only voice she knows - and in this, the truth has set her free. She is the Lord's śakti - and they are one and inseparable in every way.

Jayā Mā

(Written in response to the article on the Pañcakanyā)