sports and gambling

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Definition of the word "sport:"

 

-diversion; recreation; pleasant pastime, jest; fun; mirth; pleasantry:

"What he said in sport was taken seriously."

 

By this definition, sport for a Vaisnava is the act(ivities) of serving

Krishna.

 

 

> I was thinking a bit about the below presented point, that "unnecessary

> sporting" indicates, that there is also "legitimate sporting". If this is

> to be true, then Srila Prabhupada must have reffered to sports in a

> positive way too. At least few times he would mention, that sports are

> good.

>

> Interestingly, I cannot seem to find any statements from Srila Prabhupada

> in support of sports. So it is clear to me, that while referring to "idle

> sports", Srila Prabhupada is not referring to just one part of sports, but

> is rather telling us, that all sports are idle and unnecessary, and a

> waste of time and energy.

>

> Am I correct in my understanding. Can somebody please correct me, if I'm

> wrong?

>

> ys Giri-nayaka das

>

> > > 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.