In Krishna consciousness meat eating (including eggs) is prohibited. This is on the grounds of compassion to other living beings and also Krishna does not eat flesh of animals. So if Krishna does not eat, then we do not eat. This is the idea. Personally, for me it made sense instantaneously and I did not need any further explanation on why one should become vegetarians.
I, however, wanted to know if there were any direct scriptural references on the abominable practice of meat eating. Below is a conversation piece by the supreme devotee of God - Narada Muni.
Nārada Muni said: Among all the attractions of material enjoyment, the attraction of riches bewilders one's intelligence more than having beautiful bodily features, taking birth in an aristocratic family, and being learned. When one is uneducated but falsely puffed up by wealth, the result is that one engages his wealth in enjoying wine, women and gambling. Unable to control their senses, rascals who are falsely proud of their riches or their birth in aristocratic families are so cruel that to maintain their perishable bodies, which they think will never grow old or die, they kill poor animals without mercy. Sometimes they kill animals merely to enjoy an excursion. While living one may be proud of one's body, thinking oneself a very big man, minister, president or even demigod, but whatever one may be, after death this body will turn either into worms, into stool or into ashes. If one kills poor animals to satisfy the temporary whims of this body, one does not know that he will suffer in his next birth, for such a sinful miscreant must go to hell and suffer the results of his actions. While alive, does this body belong to its employer, to the self, to the father, the mother, or the mother's father? Does it belong to the person who takes it away by force, to the slave master who purchases it, or to the sons who burn it in the fire? Or, if the body is not burned, does it belong to the dogs that eat it? Among the many possible claimants, who is the rightful claimant? Not to ascertain this but instead to maintain the body by sinful activities is not good. This body, after all, is produced by the unmanifested nature and again annihilated and merged in the natural elements. Therefore, it is the common property of everyone. Under the circumstances, who but a rascal claims this property as his own and while maintaining it commits such sinful activities as killing animals just to satisfy his whims? Unless one is a rascal, one cannot commit such sinful activities. Atheistic fools and rascals who are very much proud of wealth fail to see things as they are. Therefore, returning them to poverty is the proper ointment for their eyes so they may see things as they are.
- SB 10.10-8-12
In the above conversation Narada muni describes how it is such a bad habit to engage in meat eating and because of that they will suffer in their next lives. Narada muni talks about returning to poverty. In this context, poverty does not necessarily mean economic poverty it can also mean degradation in terms of one’s bodily functions like taking the body of a plant or animal etc. Devolving into lower species of life is the greatest punishment as the living entity (spirit soul) will suffer immensely in lower species of life. It is the responsibility of human beings to evolve into higher forms and not devolve!
So my humble request to meat eaters is that eating meat may taste nice at that moment but it does come with heavy consequences. Beware!
Hare Krishna
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Book distribution 2012 - II
Lord Nityananda is the most munificent of incarnations. He is Lord Balaram Himself who manifested in Chaitanya Lila 500 years ago. From whatever little I understand without the blessings of Lord Nityananda, it is not possible to access the mercy of Lord Gauranga who is Krishna Himself. Besides, Lord Nityananda goes door to door blessing the most unfortunate souls caught up in this illusory world of happiness and instilling in them Krishna prem.
To put it in perspective to todays world. this causeless mercy from Lord Nityananda is transmitting through Srila Prabhupada who tirelessly is preaching the tattva of Gaurana Mahaprabhu. So through Srila Prabhupada from Nityananda prabhu, no doubt I have been given access to chant the Hare Krishna mahamantra. For this reason of causeless compassion to unqualified people, I am attracted to Lord Chaitanya and His movement. Otherwise there is not much chance for me to understand spiritual subject matters.
The sankirtan movement will go on for the next 10,000 years, so the saintly people predict. I would like to humbly contribute to my best. So in this mood of gratitude towards Lord Nityananda and the saintly acharyas, I decided to distribute books today. Although I had this plan for sometime, i was not quite sure till the last minute. However, I finally decided to spend some time knocking on doors.
I have been saying in previous posts all along, in my last 5 or 6 attempts in door knocking, so far, my realization is that I am finding it difficult to convince people to take books. My implication is that perhaps they are mostly Christians or mostly worldly minded people who have no interest in spiritual life whatsoever. So I thought may be I will drive to an area where there may be Indians living. Even if they are not interested in Krishna, I figured I can sell some books and get some donations. So I drove my car in that direction and found an apartment (not secured) and entered.
I managed to distribute some books but not many though. I want to narrate a rather humorous moment. There is an old english idiom, don't judge the book by its cover. Yesterday, literally the person was judging the book by its cover. I knocked and a man from Africa opened. Before I could complete my opening line, he excused himself to leave. I persisted and asked him to take a book. With reluctance, the man took the book and was starring at it for few seconds and his face had the combined look of skepticism and cavil. The man could not understand what he was looking at. I laughed inside and found it humourous on how he was coming to grips with Krishna. In my brief moment of humour I forgot to explain about the book.The cover of the book had Krishna with the Gopis and the title was Bhakti Yoga- The Art of Eternal Love. After few seconds, he did his best to hide his emotions and returned the book.
Later I met a Catholic who does not practice her faith, a mother of two and currently pregnant expressed that she is not very interested. By Krishna's mercy I got to talk to her for few minutes and she shared her feelings about her current situation and that her father-in-law was in critical condition about to die in the hospital. She said she was expecting a phone anytime from her husband regarding her in-law. At that moment, I stressed on how important to understand spiritual knowledge and urged her to chant Hare Krishna even if she does not understand its meaning. I gave her a book and a card with the mantra on it. I insisted she chant this mantra to her in-law even if he was unconscious. So I asked her to repeat the mantra after me and she repeated it carefully and with focus. She gave me donation and said she will look into this. I finally left saying the mantra is very powerful and can help anyone chanting it.
My original hope was to meet an Indian who I thought perhaps I can invite to my house for further discussions. Although most of the Indians in the US have no desire for spiritual life, still they are relatively more pious and may understand the science of Krishna. I figured the odds are less. As I was walking on the pavement to enter a building, I saw two Indians carrying grocery bags and entering the same building I was to enter. I did not think much of it, I just followed. By the time I entered, they disappeared, however I saw a door close. I guessed that door must be them. So I knocked in earnest and an Indian opened.
I showed one person (there were two) the Bhagavad Gita and discussed about the importance of cultivating spiritual life. The other room mate showed no interest. After about 15 mins of discussion, I found out he is from Maduari Tamilnadu and that his parents worship Vishnu. So naturally he was inclined to the Gita. He also gave me suggestions on where to go and whom to meet regarding further distribution. We exchanhged numbers and emails and am hoping to meet again next week for lunch. He seems to be interested in Krishna. However, time will tell. He took the Bhagavad Gita and gave me a big donation, I profusely thanked him and left saying we will meet again soon.
Although, overall I distributed few books, however, I thought my efforts paid off as I met these two souls. One catholic and one potential Krishna bhakta. With that thought, I drove back home.
Hare Krishna
To put it in perspective to todays world. this causeless mercy from Lord Nityananda is transmitting through Srila Prabhupada who tirelessly is preaching the tattva of Gaurana Mahaprabhu. So through Srila Prabhupada from Nityananda prabhu, no doubt I have been given access to chant the Hare Krishna mahamantra. For this reason of causeless compassion to unqualified people, I am attracted to Lord Chaitanya and His movement. Otherwise there is not much chance for me to understand spiritual subject matters.
The sankirtan movement will go on for the next 10,000 years, so the saintly people predict. I would like to humbly contribute to my best. So in this mood of gratitude towards Lord Nityananda and the saintly acharyas, I decided to distribute books today. Although I had this plan for sometime, i was not quite sure till the last minute. However, I finally decided to spend some time knocking on doors.
I have been saying in previous posts all along, in my last 5 or 6 attempts in door knocking, so far, my realization is that I am finding it difficult to convince people to take books. My implication is that perhaps they are mostly Christians or mostly worldly minded people who have no interest in spiritual life whatsoever. So I thought may be I will drive to an area where there may be Indians living. Even if they are not interested in Krishna, I figured I can sell some books and get some donations. So I drove my car in that direction and found an apartment (not secured) and entered.
I managed to distribute some books but not many though. I want to narrate a rather humorous moment. There is an old english idiom, don't judge the book by its cover. Yesterday, literally the person was judging the book by its cover. I knocked and a man from Africa opened. Before I could complete my opening line, he excused himself to leave. I persisted and asked him to take a book. With reluctance, the man took the book and was starring at it for few seconds and his face had the combined look of skepticism and cavil. The man could not understand what he was looking at. I laughed inside and found it humourous on how he was coming to grips with Krishna. In my brief moment of humour I forgot to explain about the book.The cover of the book had Krishna with the Gopis and the title was Bhakti Yoga- The Art of Eternal Love. After few seconds, he did his best to hide his emotions and returned the book.
Later I met a Catholic who does not practice her faith, a mother of two and currently pregnant expressed that she is not very interested. By Krishna's mercy I got to talk to her for few minutes and she shared her feelings about her current situation and that her father-in-law was in critical condition about to die in the hospital. She said she was expecting a phone anytime from her husband regarding her in-law. At that moment, I stressed on how important to understand spiritual knowledge and urged her to chant Hare Krishna even if she does not understand its meaning. I gave her a book and a card with the mantra on it. I insisted she chant this mantra to her in-law even if he was unconscious. So I asked her to repeat the mantra after me and she repeated it carefully and with focus. She gave me donation and said she will look into this. I finally left saying the mantra is very powerful and can help anyone chanting it.
My original hope was to meet an Indian who I thought perhaps I can invite to my house for further discussions. Although most of the Indians in the US have no desire for spiritual life, still they are relatively more pious and may understand the science of Krishna. I figured the odds are less. As I was walking on the pavement to enter a building, I saw two Indians carrying grocery bags and entering the same building I was to enter. I did not think much of it, I just followed. By the time I entered, they disappeared, however I saw a door close. I guessed that door must be them. So I knocked in earnest and an Indian opened.
I showed one person (there were two) the Bhagavad Gita and discussed about the importance of cultivating spiritual life. The other room mate showed no interest. After about 15 mins of discussion, I found out he is from Maduari Tamilnadu and that his parents worship Vishnu. So naturally he was inclined to the Gita. He also gave me suggestions on where to go and whom to meet regarding further distribution. We exchanhged numbers and emails and am hoping to meet again next week for lunch. He seems to be interested in Krishna. However, time will tell. He took the Bhagavad Gita and gave me a big donation, I profusely thanked him and left saying we will meet again soon.
Although, overall I distributed few books, however, I thought my efforts paid off as I met these two souls. One catholic and one potential Krishna bhakta. With that thought, I drove back home.
Hare Krishna
Friday, February 3, 2012
Is modern science truly evidence based and unbiased?
In the field of modern science, there is a philosophical
conundrum called the Positive theory and Normative theory.
A positive theory is about what is and contains no judgment value. The data is not interpreted
through the lens of approval or disapproval. It simply states what is. Scientists analyze data without
approving or disapproving and simply state what they see or collect as
evidence. For example, there are 100 abortions taking place every month in the
US. This is simply a statement of what exists (does not imply value).
Now normative theory on the other hand is the opposite. It
puts a value to the data. It says what
ought to be seen. The normative people would say abortions are not
acceptable or abortions are acceptable. In other words approving or
disapproving the abortion scenario.
So in science this philosophical tug-of-war constantly exists between what is and what ought to be.
However, I am convinced that all scientists are normative and none are positive.
So this tug-of-war in my opinion is
an illusion. Every single scientist who
collects data interprets the data based on his or her value system and hence
inherently biases the data. A human being by nature is born and raised in a
particular environment. So a human being reacts to the external world based on
this external conditioning. In fact the conditioning is so strong that human
beings cannot see it any other way.
This environmental conditioning coupled with individual
human desires transpires into value systems and these values express itself
through scientific phenomenon. This is true for Darwin as much as it is for Newton
and many others like them. Darwin was against religion in some ways and Newton
for it. Both considered giants in their own rights. But the difference is
Darwin wanted to see what he wanted to see in nature and used that as evidence
to push his value system. Newton on the other hand also wanted to collect
evidence to back his religious beliefs. The bottom line is although both
scientists used unbiased research methodology to arrive at certain conclusions;
still it is their value systems that were projected and put at the helm of
scientific breakthroughs.
Research, data, and scientific knowledge are boon to
society. It is a manifestation of higher intelligence to help us transcend the
gross necessities of life. Technically, research should elevate our quality of
life to higher strata, not degrade it. So in one sense research and knowledge
is simply a tool or medium with which man can transcend from a lower
consciousness to a much higher pristine consciousness. Therefore science and
research (tool) is only as good as the person handling it. If the value system
of the scientists’ is grossly embedded in simply extending physical &
mental pleasures, then the tool of science and research will be misused or in
fact abused. This is what is happening in today’s world in the name of science.
Scientists who claim to be unbiased and valueless actually have a value and
want to push that value onto others.
For example, Richard Dawkins who is famous for his atheistic stand in
society cannot claim to be scientific because he has a value that “belief in
God is nonsense” and he uses scientific data to push his value onto the world.
Otherwise, what need is there to revolt against the existence of God in such a
public & bombastic fashion, the same need as much a religionist would do to
push his value of surrender to God in a public way. Yet Richard Dawkins rebukes
religionists for having a value (rather sentimentally) towards God. His primary
distinction is I have evidence and you (religionists) have no evidence. By
focusing the conversation on evidence, Dawkins removes the concept of sentimental
value. But Dawkins is no better a sentimentalist than anybody else. He uses the
“lack of evidence” as the evidence to prove his rather rational value that God
does not exist. But lack of evidence does not imply “no” or “absence of”
evidence. If I lost something and cannot find it does not mean the thing does
not exist. If I cannot find evidence to prove God and the whole world cannot
find evidence to prove God, does not mean He does not exist, it simply means we
have no evidence. A true and unbiased researcher should conclude this –we the scientific community does not know if
God exists or does not exist because there is no evidence to show neither. It
is as simple as that. But a scientist such as Dawkins and many more like him
(unfortunately the majority) are convinced that lack of evidence of God means
God does not exist and hence have the right to push this biased sentimental
value upon others (all in the name of unbiased research).
To conclude my point, there is simply no such thing as
unbiased researcher where data leads to unbiased conclusions. This sort of
research is few and far between. The reality, however, is science and research
(tool) is created and pushed by scientists to push their values (be it personal
or institutional). It is this value that is being pushed in the name of
science. There is no problem to hold values as it is natural, however, the
problem arises when these values degrade society into mindless robots who are
told that economic development and social well being is the ultimate goal of
life (no need for a spiritual God centric life). It is these mundane values
(and not evidence and data) that is being pushed in the name of unbiased knowledge and is considered superior to any other form of knowledge in today's world.
Hare Krishna
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
HG Nitai Das prabhu will be dearly missed!
I first met him in 2008 24 hour Kirtan festival in New Vrindavan and ever since our friendship extended. Although my personal association was limited to few meetings, still I considered him a good friend and godbrother. Both and I and my wife will dearly miss him. More than me, my wife is upset because of his departure. The last we saw him was in november 2011 just 2 months before the fatal day. He drove cross-country and came to our house and stayed overnight with us.
It was the month of Damodar. We talked till 2.00am in the morning and he was showing all his photos on Burning Man and his different experiences there. I was thinking one day may be I can travel with him to Burning Man. We also offered Damodar lamps and sang Damodarashtakam together to our deities. It was a pleasure to have him in our house. The night Nitai prabhu came to my house, I asked him about how his driving especially as it was late. He assured me he drives safe and he said "many devotees have left their bodies in car accidents". His tone implied that it is such a waste to die in such a fashion. The irony is he passed away in a similar fashion.
With sadness in my heart, he will be missed dearly. More than me I think his close friends, and family will be grieving. I sincerely pray that the Lord takes Him to His abode.
My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family and friends.
He is relatively a young man. If anything, from this death, we have to learn that this world is temporary and we may die at any moment. This message rings in my head loud and clear. I pray that the Supreme Lord gives me the proper consciousness when I depart from this world.
Good luck prabhu!! We will miss you!!
Hare Krishna
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The secret of success in Krishna Consciousness
The best kind of intelligence I can have is intelligence used in the service of Krsna. Intelligence is defined as "fixed" when it is intent upon my spiritual master's instructions, such as chanting the name of Krsna, remembering His activities, and performing service to His lotus feet. My spiritual master's instructions are my sadhana and my life, both in the beginning stages of bhakti as well in bhakti's perfectional stage. I desire only to follow his instructions, and I accept nothing else as my life's work, even in dreams. Whether I am happy or distressed, whether the material world remains or is destroyed, I don't care. There is no loss for me. I simply must carry out the orders of my spiritual master. Steadfast upon his orders is determined intelligence in devotional service, and only by being fixed on his orders can such determined intelligence prosper.
- Srila Vishwanatha Chakravarti Takur
- Srila Vishwanatha Chakravarti Takur
Friday, January 27, 2012
The importance of good character
In our Krishna Conscious philosophy, we talk so much about the body, soul, this material world, its miseries, karma etc. This we do to inspire one to question the status quo of materialism. When all said and done, mere philosophy does not attract Krishna or does not give us entrance into higher dimensions. Srila Prabhupada once replied to a question by a reporter that the way to identify a Krishna devotee is that he or she will be a gentleman. In other words, a devotee of Krishna will possess good character.
So without character development, practicing Krishna conscious philosophy is a waste of time. We have to cultivate good character. In this day and world where cynicism, sarcasm, extempore display of chivalry (more like bravado), and other machoistic tendencies are attractive, the desire to cultivate character of high nature is not a priority. Developing young students do not seek role models who are humble and meek but who are dominating and passionate in their respective fields.
In Krishna conscious philosophy if we want to transcend the material problems of birth and death, then it is most important to come to the platform of goodness which is prevailed by qualities such as humility, compassion and tolerance. Once we reach this platform only is it possible to elevate our consciousness to the supramundane platform. So let us see or rather list the qualities of good character. If we do not possess such good character then it is our utmost duty to cultivate them. Below is a short list.
Possessing these qualities is an indication that Krishna has entered our hearts for when He enters He brings along with Him these qualities. So it is when Krishna or God enters only can we cultivate good character. There is no good character without Krishna or God. Good character, practicing spiritual life and devotional service to God all are synonymous with one another; one cannot exist without the other.
Hare Krishna
So without character development, practicing Krishna conscious philosophy is a waste of time. We have to cultivate good character. In this day and world where cynicism, sarcasm, extempore display of chivalry (more like bravado), and other machoistic tendencies are attractive, the desire to cultivate character of high nature is not a priority. Developing young students do not seek role models who are humble and meek but who are dominating and passionate in their respective fields.
In Krishna conscious philosophy if we want to transcend the material problems of birth and death, then it is most important to come to the platform of goodness which is prevailed by qualities such as humility, compassion and tolerance. Once we reach this platform only is it possible to elevate our consciousness to the supramundane platform. So let us see or rather list the qualities of good character. If we do not possess such good character then it is our utmost duty to cultivate them. Below is a short list.
- Truthfulness
- Cleanliness
- Intolerance of other’s happiness
- The power to control anger
- Self-satisfaction
- Straightforwardness
- Steadiness of mind
- Control of the sense organs
- Responsibility
- Equality
- Tolerance
- Equanimity
- Faithfulness
- Knowledge
- Absence of sense enjoyment
- Leadership
- Chivalry
- The discharge of proper duty
- Serenity
- Kindheartedness
- Gentility
- Magnanimity
- Determination
- Fidelity
- Pridelessness
Possessing these qualities is an indication that Krishna has entered our hearts for when He enters He brings along with Him these qualities. So it is when Krishna or God enters only can we cultivate good character. There is no good character without Krishna or God. Good character, practicing spiritual life and devotional service to God all are synonymous with one another; one cannot exist without the other.
Hare Krishna
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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