Web Site for the Future
I would like to congratulate you on launching www.krishna.com. It's a great searching web site for a brighter future in Krsna consciousness. My heartfelt thanks to all of the "second-generation" who work behind the scenes.
I have also read in the March/April issue "A Prophecy Fulfilled," by Satyaraja Dasa. Surely, Lord Caitanya's mercy is reaching to the hearts of thousands in the Kali-yuga. And thank you for reports like the one on New Vraja Dhama in Hungary.
Ramatirthadas Adhikari
Wembley, London
Delighted Clicker
I would just like to say a special thank you to the workers of the Krsna web site. I'm always delighted to click onto the site. Thank you also for all the great information and newsletters. I'm very proud of my culture and of the Hare Krsna movement!
Ria Tulsie Ramnath
Via the Internet
Body and Soul
According to the Bhagavad-gita, the soul gets a new body based on fruitive activities done in the past life. Now, as per Chapter 2, the soul is not actually changeable. I want to know why the soul is suffering from the deeds of the body, when it does not take part in sense gratification. What makes the soul suffer or get the fruits of the activities of the body.
Dipak Kumar
Via the Internet
OUR REPLY: Although the soul is factually detached from matter, it suffers because it identifies with the body, and therefore with the body's actions and reactions.
Transforming Visit
My first visit to the ISKCON temple was about one and a half years ago. This really transformed the way I look at life. I was impressed by the way the swamis and others were so deeply involved in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, away from temporary, material desires. I started the maha-mantra japa then, and now I am doing eight rounds daily. Of course, there is a long way to go, but I am sure Lord Krsna will show me the right way whenever I digress.
Ramnath Murali
Mumbai
Courageous Convictions
[Written to Hare Krsna Devi Dasi and Pundarika Dasa.]
Just writing to applaud your article in BTG ["Doctors of Body and Soul," March/April], but more your courageous convictions to resolutely follow the order of your Guru Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada. Indradyumna Maharaja's article ["My Mother's Transformation] moved me to tears, but yours moved me back into the bathroom to put on tilaka! a habit which has sadly lapsed a bit over the years of living out here in the sticks. I recall how, as new devotees, the first time we lived in rural Wales we'd apply it daily enthusiastically (my husband still does), and be greeted with the same comments as you. Now, mixing with the country folk, I've lost the habit. A most heartfelt thank you for reminding me of my duty as a disciple, and of the benefits I can give everyone freely even the cows and sheep!
Gandharvika Devi Dasi
Gerynant, U.K.
Advertise Our Heritage
I really enjoyed your article on wearing tilaka at work. I encourage all my fellow readers, both male and female, to wear tilaka or tikkas to show your identity. Particularly in these troubling times, we can advertise our Vedic heritage to help this world be a better place.
Shiva Sookhai
Ocala, Florida
Guidance for Women
I am a twenty-four-year-old Singaporean living in Singapore. I have been in the Hare Krsna movement, and reading Back to Godhead, for almost a year. I'm full of praise for your teamwork in coming up with such a wonderful magazine. It has really been an eye-opener for me.
I would like to know more about Krsna consciousness for women. Please advise me on the proper guidance for women in the Hare Krsna movement.
Rajeswari
Singapore
Urmila Devi Dasi replies: Regarding the place of women in Krsna consciousness, on the spiritual level, for the nine processes of devotional service, there is no limitation of any material circumstance. The body one has doesn't matter, and all souls have an equal opportunity to serve Krsna. Materially, each of us has talents and abilities that others don't, so there is no material equality. But we can each use our material situation in the Lord's service, and doing so is as good as directly hearing and chanting.
A peaceful society is required for people to advance in spiritual life. We contribute to a peaceful society when we work harmoniously and don't artificially imitate others' duties. Men's and women's duties differ in some areas, and that should be respected.
Encouraged
The March/April issue BTG is excellent and spiritually gorgeous. "My Devotee Is Always Saintly," by Jayadvaita Swami, guides Krsna devotees on the right track. I sometimes violate the fundamental principles of Krsna conscious-ness, and I feel very bad in my heart about this. By reading the article, I felt encouraged. Thanks for being the guide for many devotees in this small world. Thanks for spreading the wonderful message of Srila Prabhupada.
Bharath Radhe Krishna
Via the Internet
Please write to us at: BTG, P. O. Box 430, Alachua, FL 32616, USA. E-mail: editors@pamho.net.