Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura answers question

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1. What is istha-gosthi?

 

Without the association of pure devotees there cannot be an istha-gosthi.

The word istha means “desired subject matter,” and the word gosthi means

“assembly.” The assembly of pure devotees has been described as istha-gosthi

by combining the above-mentioned two words.

 

2. Why is it improper for persons who are ignorant about the mellows of

devotional service to add alphabets or words to the mahajanas songs?

 

There is neither overlapping rasas nor contradiction in the words of the

mahäjanas. Therefore, if persons or singers ignorant of the mellows of

devotional service add anything to the mahajanas’ songs, they will certainly

add rasabhasa, overlapping rasas opposed to the Vaisnava conclusion.

 

3. What is Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s strict instruction regarding hearing

rasa-kirtana sung by unqualified people?

 

The majority of people in this world are perverted. They love to make big

shows and thus fulfill their whims in the name of actual bhajana. As long as

this bad practice is not checked, one will not be able to realize the

gravity of the conjugal rasa. O devotees! Do not hear rasa-kirtana in the

assembly of selfish singers and a foolish, ambitious audience. Forget about

attending sraddha ceremonies. Make sure that such a system does not exist

inside a Vaisnava asrama. When unqualified persons are present, you should

simply chant the holy names, and pray and sing only about dasya-rasa. When

only unalloyed, pure, rasika Vaisnavas are present, it is permissible to

hear rasa-kirtana. While hearing such rasa-kirtana, one should try to

realize one’s mode of bhajana that befits his own constitutional position.

If as a result the practice of professional singing vanishes, that will be

beneficial to Vaisnavas. It is an act of Kali to let artificial rasa-kirtana

go on anywhere and everywhere simply so the singers can collect money and

the people can indulge their senses.

 

4. Should a renounced Vaisnava build mathas or asramas?

 

Renounced Vaisnavas should not endeavor to build mathas or asramas, because

this will entangle them in worldly matters.

(Sajjana Tosani 11/12)

 

5. Why is it prohibited for a renunciant to converse with women?

 

Conversing with women is the cause of falldown for Vaisnava sannyasis.

 

(from Sri Bhaktivinoda Vani Vaibhava)