Tragedy and Krishna-Consciousness

[Guest guest]

Dear devotees,

 

>From the recent dip in list volume, I was able to infer that national

events had put a dark shadow over everyone's mood. Certainly the

recent events in New York are shocking to any civilized human being,

what to speak of devotees who are compassionate and nonviolent by

nature.

 

In times such as these, I felt it important to say what hopefully is

obvious to everyone. Our duty now, as always, is to continue to speak

Krishna-katha. We know from shaastras that the tragedy we have

recently witnessed is another example of how dangerous the material

world is. When we choose to live in this material world apart from

Lord Krishna, we must expect to enjoy or suffer according to our

karma. Nothing that happens is by accident.

 

Therefore, events such as these should remind us that tomorrow is

never a certainty, and that every moment of life is precious. Life is

best spent speaking about Krishna not only for ourselves, but for

others who are innocent and can be properly enlightened.

 

As Vaishnavas we know that the people affected by this tragedy are

suffering from reactions of previous karmas. Nevertheless, it is

natural for us to feel compassion for them and help them in any way

we can. We should never forget to that Krishna-conscious activites

are the best welfare work, according to Srila Rupa Gosvami in Nectar

of Devotion.

 

I would therefore caution list members not to dwell on this matter

here. As Vaishnavas we are not interested in debating the reality of

karma, suffering, and the seemingly unfair workings of the material

world. These things are explained in shaastra, and hence they should

not be questioned by us. It would be more prudent to use the time to

help our fellow jivas, both materially and spiritually, for their

ultimate benefit.

 

As far as this list is concerned, we should continue to engage in

Krishna-conscious discourse for our own benefit, for in strengthening

our own convictions we can be better prepared to deal with those who

need them.

 

your servant,

 

H. Krishna Susarla

Moderator, Achintya

[Guest guest]

Dear Devotees

I absolutely agree with Hari Krishna Susarla Pr.

 

Devotees should be dhira - in spite of presence of agitation we should not

be agitated. Krishna is the cause of all causes - we know and understand

why all this is happening and we know what we have to do. We should simply

continue in our service to the Supreme Lord and as soldiers of Srila

Prabhupada's preaching movement we should use this opportunity to preach to

the distressed and comfort them by requesting them to chant the mahamantra.

 

your servant

shashika