Author Archives: Chaitanya Charan das

What is the bhakti perspective on feminism – not the man-bashing extreme feminism, but the equal opportunity for women feminism?
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Transcribed by: Raji Nachiappan

Question: What is the bhakti perspective on feminism – not the man-bashing extreme feminism, but the equal opportunity for women feminism?

Answer: Bhakti wisdom is inclusive. It gives everyone an opportunity to grow. We understand that we are souls, every soul is equally a part of God and every soul is dear to God.
In bhakti, God is revealed to be Krishna and the soul that is the dearest to him, we could say is female, his female consort, Radha. She gets the opportunity to be the closest to him. Therefore, without going too much into theological intricacies, let us analyze how does this philosophical principle of the soul’s spiritual equality translate into gender dynamics?
There is not a one standard formula. If we look at the epics themselves, we will see significant difference in the overall character of Ramayana’s Sita and Mahabharatha’s Draupadi. Sita is much more tolerant and sacrificial, a symbol of strength in tolerating adversity. In contrast, Draupadi is much more firebrand. She raises her voice against atrocities, takes a position for dharma even when her husbands and other elders are silent. She does not hesitate to speak her mind. Both women are considered extraordinarily virtuous, despite their radical difference in personalities.

Hence, is there one way in which all women work? Not necessarily. The essential principle in bhakti is that one’s spiritual growth should be harmonious with one’s material nature. Whatever is one’s psychophysical nature, that should be channelled in such a way that at the very least it does not obstruct one’s spiritual growth rather it aids and energizes it.
For example, if someone has lifelong lived close to nature with simplicity and if they are now put in midst of urban complexity, then they might find it very difficult to performing bhakti in an urban setting. Similarly, if somebody has lived lifelong in comforts of urban society and moved to a simple rural setting, then they may also find it very difficult to perform bhakti.
Similar principle applies to when it comes to the role of women in society. The material nature of a woman should be harmonised with the spiritual purpose. Let us see how exactly this can be done?

There are two broad categories:
i. One category is where a woman has grown in a predominantly traditional society (traditional here has neither a positive or a negative connotation) where there are well-defined gender roles. By her upbringing and disposition, if she is best suited to carry on those traditional gender roles, then there is no need to force her to adopt non-traditional gender roles to perform services. Srila Prabhupada also encouraged that those with a traditional upbringing serve in a traditional way.

ii. Other category is where a woman has grown in a more westernized setting. Such women by their upbringing and social culture are trained to be equal to men in every way. Srila Prabhupada was accommodating to such differences. He was even resourceful enough and as a result engaged such ladies […]

If something in our movement is managerially seriously wrong, should we consider what Srila Prabhupada wanted and whether we are qualified to bring about a change?
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http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/CCD%20QA/2019%20QA/07-19%20QA/If%20something%20in%20our%20movement%20is%20managerially%20seriously%20wrong%2C%20should%20we%20consider%20what%20Srila%20Prabhupada%20wanted%20and%20whether%20we%20are%20…

Bhagavatam tenth canto study 93 – 10.16.1-7 Krishna’s mode of entry into Kaliya’s lake reflects his playful confidence
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If someone is managerially incompetent or immoral, can their continuance in power be justified by saying that it is Krishna’s plan?
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http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/CCD%20QA/2019%20QA/07-19%20QA/If%20someone%20is%20managerially%20incompetent%20or%20immoral%2C%20can%20their%20continuance%20in%20power%20be%20justified%20by%20saying%20that%20it%20is%20Krishna%E2%80%9…

Bhagavatam tenth canto study 90 – 10.15.26-36 – Dhenuka’s tools to kill – his hind legs – are used to kill him by whirling and hurling
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Bhagavatam tenth canto study 89 – 10.15.13-25- The gopas ask Balarama-Krishna to get fruits by eliminating Dhenuka
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Bhagavatam tenth canto study 88 – 10.15.7-12 Krishna-Balarama make all living beings in Vrindavana fortunate
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Bhagavatam tenth canto study 87 – 10.15.1-6 Krishna dedicates the beauty of Vrindavana is meant for Balarama
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https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/Lecture%20series/Bhagavatam%20study/Bhagavatam%20tenth%20canto%20study/Bhagavatam%20tenth%20canto%20study%2087%20-%2010.15.1-6%20Krishna%20dedicates%20the%20beauty%20of%20Vrindavana%20is…