The issue of how to embrace individuals to Krishna Consciousness is important, how we do this is always a question, keeping true to Srila Prabhupada and our spiritual master without alienating those we meet.

I have been reflecting on a comment made in my blog and several conversations and observations on how we engage those whose life’s appears not to be in line with scriptural injunction. Just ask yourself this when I first met the devotees even if I viewed myself a spiritual person was a really following scripture?

Didn’t Jesus say “he without sin cast the first stone!”

I have seen how when we are asked about Homosexuality a negative response always makes the person angry and a torrent of abuse follows, we not only have lost them but risk alienating those who are passing.

After quiet reflection and study Srila Prabhupada’s writings and words I believe we can keep true to our spiritual master’s whist giving them a way to enjoy spiritual life. Like all of us (and I mean all without exception) Sex desire is the hardest of all to overcome. Most fall downs or bloops usually involve some form of sex desire; whilst societies press and TV push relationships and sex stating that it has a moral duty to challenge and explore.

So what to do?

I have found that by offering an olive branch of Brahmacarya life, this is an olive branch (not the ideal). leaves them to feel that they will not be rejected. This allows us the opportunity to engage the individual into meaningful conversation. I personally have found that those who have challenged or asked such questions are looking simply to be accepted by what they see as cold hostile religions, and it is that rejection that leads to the hostile outbursts.

After a while we can come onto higher thoughts like purport below:
Bhagavad Gita 17.14 purport says:
One should practice cleansing oneself externally and internally, and he should learn to become simple in behaviour. He should not do anything which is not sanctioned by the scriptural injunctions. He should not indulge in sex outside of married life, for sex is sanctioned in the scripture only in marriage, not otherwise. This is called celibacy. These are penances and austerities as far as the body is concerned.

I also at times share that it can be difficult following a life of celibacy, we are reminded that even in married life their is celibacy. I remember one person saying “have you seen how beautiful his wife is you can’t tell me they are not having sex outside of regulation” It is not for me to say but highlights that even married life has it’s problems and battles to overcome.

Each person will find their level, but we should accept that for some this will be difficult and for others impossible to achieve. But still we give them the opportunity to embrace spiritual life, whilst remaining true to scripture and advice given by our Spiritual Masters.

I have been saddened to hear some say that the only way to deal with the problem is for their eventually be a split within ISKCON similar to that we see in the secular Christian church. NO!

We must first be tolerant, and understand that each person is at a different level of their spiritual development, with their own battles possed by material life. Then look at ways of helping them in their situation to progress in their own spiritual path.

This remains my aim and focuse, but is difficult at times