It is well known that to get a clear understanding of Prabhupada’s view on a particular topic, we must look at all his statements on that topic. Prabhupada clearly taught that we follow guru-sadhu-shastra, and he made equally clear that [Continue reading] What is Shastra?
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I feel it’s an unfortunate aspect of ISKCON culture that it marginalizes raganuga-sadhana (particularly in madhurya-bhava) to the point it appears non-existent and even undesirable.
Regarding the statement that Raganuga-bhakti is marginalized, that may be a good thing because it should be, literally, at the margins, and not in the center of a large, sprawling, and largely neophyte spiritual society. A margin is “an edge or border” not in itself pejorative, though the verb “marginalize” may have negative connotations.
[Continue reading] Raganuga-bhakti in ISKCON
I’ve seen many husbands in our society whose wives are so busy serving the society/guru that they have no time for family. They expect the husband to assist them in a service which the husband has no inclination for. This is one form of neglect/abuse.
I agree, but everything said below for women also applies to men. We have seen too many men neglect their wives and children in the name of “preaching.” The entire family depends on [Continue reading] Vaishnavis, Preaching, and Family Responsibility
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Is the lineage of teachings we follow the Brahma-Madhava-Sampradaya? What is meant by this name?
Brahma is mentioned because according to the first verse of Bhagavatam, he was the Lord’s first student. tene brahma hrda, the Lord “extended” Vedic knowledge into the heart of Brahma. Madhvacarya appeared in southwest [Continue reading] Brahma Madhva Sampradaya
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Why do we wear Tulasi neckbeads?
I wear it because I am supposed to wear it. It is an ancient Vaishnava tradition that appears in the Caitanya-caritamrta. Interestingly, japa-mala is not in the CC. Chanting beads may be the result of European influence, when the Portuguese [Continue reading] Tulasi Neckbeads and Japa-mala
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