The real question is why Mother is considered offensive.

[Guest guest]

> I am amazed how one can react as feeling offeded when addressed as mother.

 

That's exactly the point!

 

Why are mature devotee ladies reacting in such a way to being categorised as

"matajis". Thus, it's not something to be swept aside or shrugged off, we

need to listen, understand and then proceed in a sensible way. Just quoting

and quoting can seem just to simply fundamental. The ladies feel the term of

reference was abused and now has negative condescending connotation. As the

issue is obviously very sensitive, why not back of for the time being and

address them as they individually choose i.e. mataji, prabhu, prabhvi,

thakurani.

 

Then in the future should have conference to discuss titles of respect in

ISKCON. I think it's a bigger topic for instance who is "his grace" or "her

grace". At present out it seems everyone is his grace.....prabhu. We could

then look at how the term "mataji" developed into what it did and can we

actually recover it in some sensible way. Right now it means so many things

to so many people and therefore we all disagree. Someone from Indian

tradition may think "that's shocking it's such an affectionate term" whereas

somebody who was hurt deeply by men using it as refering to an untouchable

species, may be traumatised each time they here it. Therefore it requiries

mature and sensitive discussion and that's something that cannot take place

on email.

 

Your Servant

 

Gauridas

 

 

www.krishnatemple.com

 

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