Vaishnavism 2 - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

fixed and unchanging. What are the needs ofthe people we teach today?10. Dr. Smith: . . . If anything, the story [TheRamayana] brings to the fore theambiguities of understanding appropriatebehavior , or dharma, in the abstract--forthere are many verses which suggest thateach individual’s dharma is different indifferent situations, and the challenge is todeport oneself in any given circumstanceaccording to one’s own peculiar dharma(called sva-dharma). (31)Thus, one’s religious practices and ethicsare situationally based. Naturally, a twentyfirstcentury Westerner’s religion will bedifferent from that of an Indian, especiallyfrom a different century. We each have ourown particular individual path to follow--goingwhere no one has gone before.11. Dr. Hiltebeitel: . . . the Vedas were to bebrought into a new formulation for a newage. This is the Mahabharata. This is theVeda for a new population, for the massesand for people of all castes andpersuasions. . . . It is for a new time and foran extended population. And of course itteaches bhakti--devotional love--to thatpopulation. (52)This again shows the developmental,adaptive nature of the Vedic teachings.Certainly, they can be further developed andadapted for contemporary Westerners as Ihave done.7