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.
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