conclusion

[Guest guest]

On 4 Jul 2002, Sita Devi Dasi wrote:

 

> Again, I don't this to be taken as a personal attack. This discussion to me

> was never about winning or losing a debate but coming to an understanding of

> the truth. I appreciate most of Urmila's other points very much and we

> continue to wish each other well. Unfortunately, she has deemed my

> "attitude" to be "impossible", finding I "berate and challenge". I assume it

> is because of this that I was not included on this list of receivers on

> subsequent texts such as this:

 

Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

 

I'm hoping that Shyamasundara and, hopefully others, will take some time to

help me review and possibly revise my paper of 1988 at some time in the

future.

 

Sita is a wonderful example of a good wife and mother as well as a solid

devotee. Her and my practical application of our understanding of a woman's

position is virtually identical. One can speak to my daughter and

daughter-in-law as well to gauge the culture we have tried to develop in our

family, despite so many obstacles. Sita and I differ, and will probably

continue to differ, on how we understand the philosophical basis of that

practical application. It is not always necessary that all such differences be

"resolved" or "concluded" because different angles of vision within the

siddhanta are not necessarily evil or illusory.

 

"Lord Krsna replied: Because all material elements are present everywhere, it

is reasonable that different learned brahmanas have analyzed them in different

ways. All such philosophers spoke under the shelter of My mystic potency, and

thus they could say anything without contradicting the truth.

PURPORT

The words santi sarvatra in this verse indicate that all material elements are

found within each other in gross and subtle forms. In this way there are

innumerable w-ays to categorically describe them. The material world is

ultimately illusory, undergoing constant transformation. It may be measured in

different ways, just as the mirage of an oasis may be described in different

ways, but the Lord's own analysis of twenty-eight elements is perfect and

should be accepted. Srila Jiva Gosvami states that the word maya in this verse

does not refer to maha-maya, or the potency of ignorance, but to the Lord's

inconceivable mystic power, which shelters the learned followers of Vedic

knowledge. Each of the philosophers mentioned here reveals a particular aspect

of truth, and their theories are not contradictory, since they are simply

describing the same phenomena with different categorical systems. Such

philosophical disagreement is endless within the material world; thus everyone

should unite on the platform of the Lord's own opinion, as stated in this

verse. Similarly, in Bhagavad-gita Lord Krsna requests all conditioned souls

to give up their various forms of worship and surrender unto Him in full Krsna

consciousness, becoming His devotees. Thus the whole universe can be united in

love of Godhead by chanting Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. By the Lord's revealing Himself to

a sincere devotee, the controversy of analytic philosophy is ended."

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 11.22.4

 

 

This sentence of the purport is most significant: "Each of the philosophers

mentioned here reveals a particular aspect of truth, and their theories are

not contradictory, since they are simply describing the same phenomena with

different categorical systems."

 

It is possible to describe the truth about women's nature and the relationship

between men and women, women's position in the social order, the relationship

between external and spiritual duties, etc. etc. in many different ways, all

of which are correct. Of course, it is also possible to describe them

incorrectly.

 

However, rather than immediately assuming that another way is "wrong" simply

because it is different, one might first question whether or not both views

are sastric, evidenced by the sadhus, and endorsed by the guru, but are simply

from different angles of vision, or described in different ways according to

various verses and individual realization.

 

"Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu gave him His blessings to do all this work and also

explained to Sanatana Gosvami the import of the atmarama verse from sixty-one

different angles of vision."

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 10.84

 

 

 

"So to get knowledge is the first item for anyone who is hoping to find the

perfection of his life. Therefore I advise you to read our books daily as far

as possible and try to understand the subject matter from different angles of

vision by discussing it frequently with the devotees at the New York temple.

In this way you will gradually become convinced, and by your sincere attitude

and devotional service you will make progress."

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => PQPA 8: Advancing in Krsna Consciousness

 

 

 

"Therefore, I recommend you to read books more and more and try to understand

the subject matter from different angles of vision and be always discussing it

with your godbrothers even while you are working at the press, and when you

are working and you cannot read, then listen to the tapes of my lectures and

hear in that way."

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Bhargava -- Los Angeles 13 June, 1972

 

"Every individual being must have his opinion; that is the significance of

individuality, but all such differences of opinions must coincide in Krishna."

 

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Mandali Bhadra -- Los Angeles 28 July, 1969

 

"Wherever there are individuals there is bound to be difference of opinion.

Therefore for this purpose I have formulated the GBC. Therefore any new

programs or proposals or discrepancies should be submitted before the

Governing Board Commission and then their conclusion should be submitted to me

for the final approval."

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Rupanuga -- Sydney 14 February, 1973

 

Your servant, Urmila devi dasi

[Guest guest]

Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

 

Devotees are asking to be removed from the discussion. I would also like to be

removed.

 

I can explain my position for ever. You will never accept the way I understand

this issue.

 

Hare Krsna.

 

Your servant, Urmila devi dasi