simple thoughts

Several times over the past few months I’ve been asked about the same subject that of Pornography and what is the standing in vedic culture; it appears that there is some misunderstandings that watching pornography is some how al-right a bit like say a white lie.

In many ways this is not surprising as there is attachment to bodily identification and the nature of minimising our actions, “I’m looking but not touching so it’s ok” However there is a fine line between looking and then acting upon the desire it brings. We see in the purport here the power of women to captivate men:
Actually, women have the power to attract men through all of the material senses. Men become lusty by seeing the body of a woman, by smelling her fragrance, by hearing her voice, by tasting her lips and by touching her body. However, the foolish relationship based on material sex attraction begins by seeing, and thus rupa, or form, is very prominent in the process of ruining one’s intelligence. This fact has been exploited in modern times by huge pornography industries, which prey on unfortunate men and women. The example of the foolish moth rushing into the fire and destroying itself is most appropriate in this regard, for one who becomes addicted to the momentary pleasure of sex indulgence certainly loses his power to understand the spiritual reality behind dull matter.

SB 11.8.8

Our identification with this particular body and how we interact with it binds us to the whims of material nature as explained in this purport:

The present human civilization is primarily based on the principles of sleeping and sex indulgence at night and earning money in the day and spending the same for family maintenance. Such a form of human civilization is condemned by the Bhagavata school.

Because human life is a combination of matter and spirit soul, the whole process of Vedic knowledge is directed at liberating the spirit soul from the contamination of matter. The knowledge concerning this is called atma-tattva. Those men who are too materialistic are unaware of this knowledge and are more inclined to economic development for material enjoyment. Such materialistic men are called karmis, or fruitive laborers, and they are allowed regulated economic development or association of woman for sex indulgence. Those who are above the karmis, that is, the jnanis, yogis and devotees, are strictly prohibited from sex indulgence. The karmis are more or less devoid of atma-tattva knowledge, and as such, their life is spent without spiritual profit. The human life is not meant for hard labor for economic development, nor is it meant for sex indulgence like that of the dogs and hogs. It is specially meant for making a solution to the problems of material life and the miseries thereof. So the karmis waste their valuable human life by sleeping and sex indulgence at night, and by laboring hard in the daytime to accumulate wealth, and after doing so, they try to improve the standard of materialistic life. The materialistic way of life is described herein in a nutshell, and how foolishly men waste the boon of human life is described as follows.

SB 2.1.3

However there is something more important indulgence in sex life even subtle sex life hinders our ability to read, understand and share the nectar found in the Bhagavatam and understanding of Sri Krishna; avoidance of illicit connection with women is needed in order to make the greatest advancement in spiritual life; our association is also clear as defined in this purport:

One can certainly see directly the presence of Lord Sri Krsna in the pages of Bhagavatam if one has heard it from a self-realized great soul like Sukadeva Gosvami. One cannot, however, learn Bhagavatam from a bogus hired reciter whose aim of life is to earn some money out of such recitation and employ the earning in sex indulgence. No one can learn Srimad-Bhagavatam who is associated with persons engaged in sex life. That is the secret of learning Bhagavatam.

SB 1.3.44

When it comes to sex life there is only one exception that of fulfilling the desire for children, with that comes responsibility to liberate them from material suffering. Other than this there is no acceptable middle ground for anything other than this increases lust and as described below leads us into a fire of sense gratification as this purport states:

A lusty person becomes blind and foolish through sex indulgence, and his soul is lost in the fire of sense gratification. This whole disaster can be avoided by taking seriously to the process of chanting the holy names of the Lord: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His empowered representatives such as Srila Prabhupada have created a movement to save people from the dungeon of material life, and we should all seriously take advantage of this opportunity.

SB 11.8.8

I also have these two thoughts, if we are fortunate enough to gain a human form in our next life being blinded and bound by material nature; will mean if you are in a male body this lifetime a female body will be yours.

Is looking at pornography a way of checking out the different types of female body and increasing the desire of how you desire to look when granted entrapment in this material covering?

Or are you looking at the different ways you will be exploited and abused in your next life?

It’s two points that you could ponder and explore.

But also ponder more this:

The four regulative principles are their not to limit our enjoyment but to protect us from material suffering, to decrease the binding in material life and giving us the intelligence to advance and see thing from a spiritual way.

I hope this helps those who asked

Hare Krishna

Continuing with my theme on social media and it’s use I am always interested in how individuals interact, sometimes a philosophical point is debated with opposing views, remain light-hearted and become a sweet exchange between devotees.

Debating and sharing exchanging views and ideas help expand, challenge and enlighten us; and those viewing the exchanges learn also.

However often this is not the case, It’s my view or else, I am as you know always right in every word and deed, I am senior you are not; often these exchanges become highly personalised to the point neither benefit.

In some cases it is easier to point the finger at one individual/organization rather than pointing the figure directly at yourself, you are meant to be doing I see your not, you call yourself this and I don’t see you doing it and again the whole thing becomes very personal and neither benefit from the exchange.

So I was reading the exchanges on cow protection and it occurred to me we see cow protection not as something we should do but others; it’s the temple’s job they should lead the way so I can come feed them once or twice. It’s not my duty but this group call themselves and say they offer cow protection BUT!!!

And so it goes on and on and on.

But stop and ponder who’s responsibility is it?

The temple?

The Guru?

The cow protection organizations?

NO! And NO!

Ponder think and Ponder some more and take a moment to reflect on this simple quote:

When you do business you should do it business-like. We should not neglect any minute part of it, but at the same time we shall think of Krishna, seeking His protection. The living example is the Gopis. They were householder wives, young girls having children to feed, carrying out the order of superiors; father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, satisfying the whims of the husband, executing so many household duties from morning to night. Still they practiced in such a way Krishna Consciousness that they did not forget even for a second Krishna. While mopping the floor, while washing the dishes, while milking the cow, while feeding the baby, while taking with friends, while cooking in the kitchen they were always thinking of Krishna. You will find all these descriptions in our book Krsna how they remained compact in thought of Krishna. So this is the highest ideal of Krishna Consciousness, and we should try to follow their footsteps. Everyone has to adjust things in his particular way, but I again repeat that at least one hour should be set aside for chanting the beads. I hope this will help you both ways and I pray to Krishna that He will give you all protection.

Letter to: Gargamuni — Tittenhurst 29 October, 1969

The householder example is the Gopis, it mentions thinking of Krishna whilst milking the cow; so householder also means cow protection it is a duty, when recalling Srila Prabhupada explanation on cow protection there is a direct explanation given:

Srila Prabhupada then spoke to us for some time on how the natural way of life is superior to the artificial, mechanized life in the cities. He described how our farm could be modeled after village life in Vedic India: “The farm should be mainly run by householder couples. They can live in small cottages and take care of the cows and till the fields. In the villages of India, where there are many cows, naturally there is also an abundant supply of milk. The residents don’t turn all the milk into ghee [clarified butter] for sale. Rather every day each family puts their supply into one big pot with a fire under it and takes out as much as they need for drinking and cooking that day. At night, whatever milk is left is converted into yogurt, stored and then churned into butter. The buttermilk is fed to the calves, and the butter is turned into ghee. In this way, not a single drop of milk is wasted. So this is the formula for an abundant life: some land, hard work, cow protection, and doing everything for Lord Krsna.”

VedaBase => Farm Report

Again there is an example given cow protection and household life goes hand in hand, then the families needs are met, and we can adsorb ourselves fully in thoughts of krishna.

Now in the modern way of living this is not practical, indeed here in the UK if I kept a cow in my garden their would be several pieces of law I would break; so does this absolve me of my duty? NO.

I pondered this thought, it is a householders duty so what to do?

Keep a cow money box, feed it not hay but money every day and then use it without fail to help those running large cow protection projects, indeed sponsor a cow and then offer to help, YEP! Get your wellies on and help out become a part of not spectator to the Goshal’s live and breath cow protection and remember Krishna’s many pastimes with the cowherd boys.

In the UK it costs approximately £2 a day, most spend more than this on lunch at work so it’s not much to ask is it? If you have no money give time.

Cow protection is everyone’s duty become passionate about it and offer the rewards to Sri Krishna, now there’s a debating point for social media.

And just a thought to ponder, how do we really know if were under a good government?

They would surly make sure the cow is fully protected rather than what we see cow slaughter.

Continuing on my theme of using social media I find my self wondering if as devotee’s we need some basic etiquette in order to avoid offence or misunderstandings; although I’m guessing in this age of Kali that may me more an aspiration rather than a reality.

Anyway’s there is something that has been highlighted to me of recent that when it comes to social media there is expectations of others when it comes to postings from initiated devotees or those in position or representing positions of authority.

That brings me to a subtle point but one I have been pondering if we have a personal space, blog act, then our thoughts postings represent the individual and it is a personal thing if we decide to enter into discussions or debate.

However as is the case if we are running a blog, space on social media sites then we have responsibility not only on content posted but also how we deal with individual’s who post comments or thoughts.
I was shocked and saddened when what appeared to be a feed representing an ISKCON project posted personal responses on the death of a divisive UK prime minister and when asked about Krishna not an unreasonable question given the way the feed presents itself, a torrid rant prevailed.

My thoughts is this if we are feeding under an ISKCON project then personal views should be limited and posting only related to the subject matter or articles related to the subject matter; indeed I see in most cases this is what happens and it is a great service they do, I appreciate the information they provide and gives a wider insight into what devotee communities are doing.

Indeed in many ways I like the personal feeds and the diversity it brings, and if it’s a personal feed we can make our responses to world events, after all this particular prime minister took away my milk as a child and during high school I remember discussing with the teaching staff why we should make the effort to learn given we already knew how to sign our names for the dole money. But I also feel sorry for her suffering especially in later life with dementia and unable to recall the death of her husband, Painful.

But I am reminded that as much as individuals rightfully have expectations when we read from feeds closely associated with ISKCON projects they too also have expectations when reading feeds/articles from those initiated.

Indeed one thing it impresses on my most of all is this; what I write not only reflects on me as a individual but also reflects on my Guru Maharaja which brings for me even greater responsibility.

So I end with this should we indeed pause and think before posting, be true to ourself but remaining mindful that what we say should build each other up and develop stronger devotee communities with Krishna central in everything.

It is always of interest watching and reading the various exchanges on the social networks an interesting forum were we can reveal our minds and open our life for all to see; most exchanges are uplifting and sometimes the debate on certain issues that come up in life are diverse.

Over the time their has been opportunity to distribute books, share thoughts and pictures relating to krishna and various devotional inspirational thoughts; and on occasions to answer questions. Some are hard to answer in 140 characters and so at times I e-mail my answer but on this occasion I will write it here in my blog and hope it will enliven and create some debate and thoughts

Vaishnava Aparadha and social media

If we make a comment or criticise a devotee in some way or another are they simply committing Vaishnava Aparadha?

The answer could simply be “YES” for we are warned time and time again against such action we call it the elephant offence the most dangerous as stated in Srila Prabhupada’s purport:

While describing the system of protection for the creeper of devotional service, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has especially stressed protection from offenses unto the lotus feet of Vaisnavas. Such offenses are called vaisnava-aparadha. Aparadha means “offense.” If one commits vaisnava-aparadhas, all of his progress in devotional service will be checked. Even though one is very much advanced in devotional service, if he commits offenses at the feet of a Vaisnava, his advancement is all spoiled…. Therefore one should be very careful about committing offenses at the feet of a Vaisnava. The most grievous type of vaisnava-aparadha is called guru-aparadha, which refers to offenses at the lotus feet of the spiritual master. In the chanting of the holy name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, this guru-aparadha is considered the most grievous offense.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.21.37

Over the years we see that the internet has become a place were we can build up devotees, individuals and the vaisnava community as a whole; a place to question or to express a view but willing to enter into a discussion (I am reminded of my own blog entries on initiation).

Sadly though there is a darker side, were we use social media and the internet to attack individual devotees, the Vaisnava community, criticising and fault finding; closed and un-open to enter into a discussion of any sort unless it is in total agreement with my view. It is easy to describe this type of individual as someone who is a vaisnava-aparadha and feel just in our conclusion.

I am however reminded that by saying or calling someone a Vaisnava-aparadha we could actually be causing Vaisnava-aparadha ourselves, we have to be very careful.

Do we show compassion?

The person is indeed covered by maya, they are acting under the modes of material nature and so rather than becoming offended we show compassion; respect from a distance but avoid association. Explain our insight on the matter if that is rejected than smile and leave brushing the dust off ourselves.

Is this simplistic?

Do we appreciate that it may be that we are given the opportunity to learn tolerance?

Yes what they are saying could without a shadow of a doubt be offensive indeed taking into account what is described as a Vaisnava-aparadha, but again do we see that this is an opportunity for us to learn tolerance to learn not to react or become angry but to continue in our duty. We have seen many examples were devotees have simply done this and in the end conquered those who were attacking their character.

Again is this simplistic?

Ultimately we can choose whom to associate with, listen too, read, share or like comments made by others; this reflects our own spiritual understanding and progression; words spoken, words written can never be taken back especially on the internet they remain their forever.

As devotees we should endeavour to see the good in everyone no matter how small, we can disagree on points and should be prepared to agree and disagree; to enter into discussion and share for the benefit of ourselves and others.

so should we take offense?

Again this is personal

Personally over the years my thoughts have changed to the point were if I take offense my thought is this reflect more badly on me than the person I am taking offence at.

Again I am reminded that there are individual’s over the years I’ve unfollowed for this one reason, our exchanges are such that it is damaging to one or both of us.

It reminds me that I still have much to learn about compassion and tolerance whilst understanding that at times I to may have caused offense of one kind or another.

So Vaisnava-aparadha is not always quite as simple as it may first appear and we have to be careful that by our making such conclusion we could simply be the one who is causing the elephant offence in our own fledgling spiritual garden,

But what’s your thoughts?