Bhagavad-gita doesn't teach giving relief to the poor

[Guest guest]

Asocyan anvasocas tvam prajna-vadams ca bhasase: [bg. 2.11] "Arjuna, you are

talking like a learned man, but you are a fool number one." Gatasün

agatasüms ca nanusocanti panditah. That means "If you had been actually

pandita, learned man, then you would not have lamented for this body."

Gatasün. "The body is neither a subject matter for lamentation, either

living condition or dead condition. It has no value." This is the

instruction, Krsna's word. But the modern civilization, they are giving all

value to this body, all their philanthropic work, hospitalization, and this,

so many things. Just like our Mr. George Harrison, he raised how many

millions dollars for...

Karandhara: Nine million.

Prabhupada: Nine million dollars, and, to the... This is going on. In the

Bhagavad-gita we don't find anywhere a single line that "You raise funds

for," I mean to say, "giving relief to the poor" or "to the suffering." Is

there any instruction in Bhagavad-gita? You have read. Can you find out? But

these people, they have become more learned than Krsna. In our country,

Vivekananda: daridra-narayana-seva. The whole Ramakrishna Mission is

collecting funds only on this rascal plea.

--Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.9.4 -- Japan, April 22, 1972

[Guest guest]

> Prabhupada: Nine million dollars, and, to the... This is going on. In the

> Bhagavad-gita we don't find anywhere a single line that "You raise funds

> for," I mean to say, "giving relief to the poor" or "to the suffering." Is

> there any instruction in Bhagavad-gita? You have read. Can you find out? But

> these people, they have become more learned than Krsna. In our country,

> Vivekananda: daridra-narayana-seva. The whole Ramakrishna Mission is

> collecting funds only on this rascal plea.

> --Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.9.4 -- Japan, April 22, 1972

 

Yesterday at the Houston International festival I saw a modern Sri Vaisnava

organization whose display clearly proclaimed that they are "Serving God by

serving man."

 

MDd

[Guest guest]

Despite the Bhagavad-Gita not specifically teaching giving relief to the

poor, in the Mahabharat, Yuddishtira was always giving charity to the

Brahmins and other castes. In fact, a lot of wealth was required for the

Rajsuya Yagna and also the Ashwamegha Yagya. The reason for that was

because it was to be given in charity. In the Aswamegha Yagna, Yudhisthira,

than the emperor of the entire earth, gifted it to Vyasadeva.

 

 

 

Also, Srila Prabhupada himself said that no one should go hungry within 3

miles of a temple. He had setup huge Sunday feasts so that prasadam could

be freely provided. Expanding on this, the ISKCON food-for-life program

provides charity to all sorts of poor people around the world. They are

doing a fantastic job building schools and providing prasadum to the

villages around Vrindavan (this I have personally seen).

 

 

So, I am a little confused by this excerpt, and it feels like it is being

quoted out of context.

 

 

 

Krishna

 

 

 

_____

 

achintya [achintya] On Behalf

Of Bhakti Vikasa Swami

Saturday, April 23, 2005 5:00 AM

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Prabhupada Disciples; Quotes

Bhagavad-gita doesn't teach giving relief to the poor

 

 

 

Asocyan anvasocas tvam prajna-vadams ca bhasase: [bg. 2.11] "Arjuna, you are

talking like a learned man, but you are a fool number one." Gatasün

agatasüms ca nanusocanti panditah. That means "If you had been actually

pandita, learned man, then you would not have lamented for this body."

Gatasün. "The body is neither a subject matter for lamentation, either

living condition or dead condition. It has no value." This is the

instruction, Krsna's word. But the modern civilization, they are giving all

value to this body, all their philanthropic work, hospitalization, and this,

so many things. Just like our Mr. George Harrison, he raised how many

millions dollars for...

Karandhara: Nine million.

Prabhupada: Nine million dollars, and, to the... This is going on. In the

Bhagavad-gita we don't find anywhere a single line that "You raise funds

for," I mean to say, "giving relief to the poor" or "to the suffering." Is

there any instruction in Bhagavad-gita? You have read. Can you find out? But

these people, they have become more learned than Krsna. In our country,

Vivekananda: daridra-narayana-seva. The whole Ramakrishna Mission is

collecting funds only on this rascal plea.

--Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.9.4 -- Japan, April 22, 1972

 

 

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[Guest guest]

Hare Krishna.

 

Based on my reading of Srila Prabhupada's views on

social welfare, etc. I think that taking one quote to

the exclusion of the others does not project His

Divine Grace's overall view on these issues.

 

Srila Prabhupada was against mundane welfarism, i.e.

welfarism that simply stopped at the point of

providing bodily and mental comfort and did away with

spiritual education. Since many organisations do

these, he did not feel the need for another in the

form of the Krishna Consciousness movement. What is

lacking is authentic spiritual knowledge to enlighten

the jiva as to its actual cause of suffering.

 

But, Srila Prabhupada very much supported social

welfare activities which had Krishna Consciousness as

the basis. The 2 need not be made mutually exclusive

if one sees everything as part of spiritual nature.

Any social programme that incorporates Harinama,

prasadam distribution and education in the higher

values of life is welcome. The idea that Srila

Prabhupada admonished was that which projected

solutions as simply man-made in a God-given world. But

spiritual welfarism that included concern for the

bodily and mental welfare on the population on the

basis of Krishna Consciousness was never shunned by

him. Rather, he promoted it. Otherwise, why would

there be the stress on varnashrama, prasadam

distribution, etc.?

 

As for the Sri Vaishnava Society's slogan, this is

promoted by H.H. Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swami.

However, he is not simply promoting the mayavada idea

of daridra narayana seva. He is actually promoting the

idea of social welfarism on the basis of engaging

everyone in the service of the Lord and in that way

providing both the physical and mental welfare of the

people as well as their spiritual needs. He has begun

Gita Jothi programme to propagate the teachings of the

Bhagavad Gita. He also has massive gatherings of

recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama, etc. Furthermore, he

has established tribal schools in Andhra Pradesh a and

is reaching out to the 'untouchables' and providing

education and spiritual upliftment as well. A

spiritual society that is totally callous to the

social condition cannot effectively make people

understand on a practical level the value of spiritual

life. Srila Prabhupada also recognised that in his

method of preaching.

 

So, we do need to approach Srila Prabhupada's views

and those of the other Vaishnava Acharyas on this

matter in a holistic manner and not take one

conversation in isolation. The views may be addressed

towards replying to the views of the particular person

who is presenting his or her ideas. But the overall

view is to be made after a thorough study of the

matter. All of us live within a larger social

discourse/community. If we influence that with a very

mature responsible lifestyle of care and concern on

all levels, then people would also be attracted to

listen to our spiritual teachings and understand that

for the enlightened person, there is no segregation

between spiritual teachings and practical lifestyles.

All that is needed is an impregnation of Krishna

Consciousness into everything sphere of life and

activity, not a rejection but an add-on and

dovetailing.

 

My humble views on this matter. Please forgive me for

any offences committed.

 

Hari bol !

 

 

ys

r. jai simman

jakarta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

This answer perfectly summarizes Srila Prabhupada's attitude. It is always

dangerous to try to turn a quote into a philosophy.

 

Rupa-vilasa dasa

> Based on my reading of Srila Prabhupada's views on

> social welfare, etc. I think that taking one quote to

> the exclusion of the others does not project His

> Divine Grace's overall view on these issues.

>

> Srila Prabhupada was against mundane welfarism, i.e.

> welfarism that simply stopped at the point of

> providing bodily and mental comfort and did away with

> spiritual education. Since many organisations do

> these, he did not feel the need for another in the

> form of the Krishna Consciousness movement. What is

> lacking is authentic spiritual knowledge to enlighten

> the jiva as to its actual cause of suffering.

>

> But, Srila Prabhupada very much supported social

> welfare activities which had Krishna Consciousness as

> the basis. The 2 need not be made mutually exclusive

> if one sees everything as part of spiritual nature.

> Any social programme that incorporates Harinama,

> prasadam distribution and education in the higher

> values of life is welcome. The idea that Srila

> Prabhupada admonished was that which projected

> solutions as simply man-made in a God-given world. But

> spiritual welfarism that included concern for the

> bodily and mental welfare on the population on the

> basis of Krishna Consciousness was never shunned by

> him. Rather, he promoted it. Otherwise, why would

> there be the stress on varnashrama, prasadam

> distribution, etc.?

>

> As for the Sri Vaishnava Society's slogan, this is

> promoted by H.H. Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swami.

> However, he is not simply promoting the mayavada idea

> of daridra narayana seva. He is actually promoting the

> idea of social welfarism on the basis of engaging

> everyone in the service of the Lord and in that way

> providing both the physical and mental welfare of the

> people as well as their spiritual needs. He has begun

> Gita Jothi programme to propagate the teachings of the

> Bhagavad Gita. He also has massive gatherings of

> recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama, etc. Furthermore, he

> has established tribal schools in Andhra Pradesh a and

> is reaching out to the 'untouchables' and providing

> education and spiritual upliftment as well. A

> spiritual society that is totally callous to the

> social condition cannot effectively make people

> understand on a practical level the value of spiritual

> life. Srila Prabhupada also recognised that in his

> method of preaching.

>

> So, we do need to approach Srila Prabhupada's views

> and those of the other Vaishnava Acharyas on this

> matter in a holistic manner and not take one

> conversation in isolation. The views may be addressed

> towards replying to the views of the particular person

> who is presenting his or her ideas. But the overall

> view is to be made after a thorough study of the

> matter. All of us live within a larger social

> discourse/community. If we influence that with a very

> mature responsible lifestyle of care and concern on

> all levels, then people would also be attracted to

> listen to our spiritual teachings and understand that

> for the enlightened person, there is no segregation

> between spiritual teachings and practical lifestyles.

> All that is needed is an impregnation of Krishna

> Consciousness into everything sphere of life and

> activity, not a rejection but an add-on and

> dovetailing.

>

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to share some context. Recently in India there were some

devotees claiming that "the greatest service to Lord Krishna is to

feed a hungry child." Apparently there is some project separate from

Food for Life being conducted by brahmacharis there who are (I think

but am not sure) making money from it.

 

I think that's why BV Swami posted these quotes from Prabhupada. We

have to differentiate between mundane welfare work and real welfare

work. Unfortunately, some devotees are not making the distinction.

[Guest guest]

I think it is a question of consciousness more than the activity itself. Even

devotees who take part in food for life programs, if they are not in proper

consciousness, it is not going to have the desired effect of *feeding* the soul.

The case you have cited is a great example. The key for those interested in both

social service and Krishna consciousness is to cultivate KC internally, very

nicely and then venture out serving others. Also, it is important to note that

social service that is done in a selfless manner is going to bring people to the

platform of goodness and it is highly likely they will take up KC - so, KC and

service to others work hand-in-hand. I was once having a nice conversation with

a devotee who has been doing the food for life for years - he said that welfare

work if done in proper consciousness (that Krishna is the supreme enjoyer etc.)

will purify our heart, which in turn results in real KC activities - without

that purification, even if we wear nice devotee

dress and engage in food for life, it doesn't matter. There are also KC

devotees who avoid doing any kind of social service because they think it would

result in unnecessary karma - I have noticed that such devotees are more

concerned with their own spiritual welfare than serving others.

 

So, SP's quotes are meant to break our strong illusion that we are not this

body, but spirit souls and to drive home the point that welfare activity is a

question of proper consciousness. I find his statements to be true and

applicable, irrespective of context. One only needs to understand SPs intention

and maharaj's before getting emotional about them.

 

iys

 

Aravind.

 

 

krishna_susarla <krishna_susarla wrote:

 

I just wanted to share some context. Recently in India there were some

devotees claiming that "the greatest service to Lord Krishna is to

feed a hungry child." Apparently there is some project separate from

Food for Life being conducted by brahmacharis there who are (I think

but am not sure) making money from it.

 

I think that's why BV Swami posted these quotes from Prabhupada. We

have to differentiate between mundane welfare work and real welfare

work. Unfortunately, some devotees are not making the distinction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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by said authors. Views expressed in Achintya postings are those of their authors

only, and are not necessarily endorsed by the moderator or spiritual leaders of

the Gaudiiya school.

 

 

 

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achintya

 

 

 

 

Aravind Mohanram

Ph.D. Candidate

Dept. of Mat Sci and Engg.,

Penn State University,

University Park, PA 16801

www.personal.psu.edu/aum105