sports and gambling

[Guest guest]

> It is interesting that Srila Prabhupada generally refers here to

> "unnecessary sporting" or " idle sports." This would appear to indicate

> that there are legitimate sports such as those which promote good health,

> agility, build team spirit, etc. or even "letting off steam." It seems to

> me that competitive sports in which the competitors are deeply invested in

> the result are especially to be avoided.

 

It could also be that that the adjectives used are simply to underline that

sports are by nature unnecessary or idle in the sense of wasting time.

 

At least once Srila Prabhupada encouraged devotees to swim in the sea (see

Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta ch. 38). He also told Peter Burwash to continue

his successful career as a tennis professional and to preach within it. But

overall his general instruction that devotees not engage in sports is

repeated and emphatic. Sports such as volleyball are clearly a recent

introduction in ISKCON, not given to us by Srila Prabhupada as part of the

Krishna conscious life.

 

Sport may be good for health, although may be dangerous also. Sports

injuries are common. However, even if good for health, that is not in itself

reason to engage in sports. Garlic and wine (in moderation) are also reputed

to be good for health, and fish is good for the brain (said Srila

Prabhupada). But all these items are banned for devotees.

 

Let's all do more kirtana.