Call Off The Dogs!

[Guest guest]

On 08 Apr 1999, Madhusudani Radha wrote:

 

> At 17:41 -0800 4/8/99, WWW: Janesvara (Dasa) ACBSP (Syracuse - USA) wrote:

>

>

> >It's self moderated I believe because the former moderator is getting an

> >operation to change himself into a woman the last I heard. Now there's some

> >juicy discussion material for the dogs! Ruff!

>

> While it is true that the (former?) organizer of this conference has not

> been actively participating in this discussion, I don't think it's fair to

> make such a comment. Living in a body which does not match one's own

> perceived gender is not a joke. It is miserable.

 

 

With all due respect, I think you are reading more into my statement than what

I actually said. Although my reputation probably preceeds me (darn!) I did not

say anything directly against Prsni ????.

 

What is really the sad part is that because ISKCON's so-called "leaders" are

such a pitiful example of helpful, friendly, exemplary, secure, truthful,

straightforward, intelligent followers of the Vedic cultural paradigm, people

like this Prsni ???? has had no(or perhaps does not accept) good counseling

from his own "family" of devotee friends. Worse, when some see that good Vedic

counseling is unavailable due to abject failure by "leaders" they resort to

Western "civilized" methods and psychology which have done a LOT for America

(heavy sarcasm intended) which is completely messed up sexually, mentally and

physically. Almost everyone I work with on a daily basis for over 20 years are

usually preoccupied with sex and money while ingesting the most unhealthful

foods and drugs all day starting with caffeine first thing in the morning,

nicotine, alchohol, etc. Western "civilization" offers very little proof of

success for developing human culture towards God consciousness aside from some

pious and charitable Christians.

 

I have devotee friends that I have kept close to heart for 25 years, though

separated by hundreds of miles, who I can rely upon to counsel me when I

conceive of some abstract or radical course which, in my better consciousness,

I would not normally pursue. I have at times decided that drinking was an easy

way to deal with my problems. I have at times indulged my passions with women

who are employed in the worlds oldest occupation in hopes that I might satisfy

my mind. In every case, my devotee Brothers and Sisters, my best friends, TALK

to me with love and friendship along with a very healthy dose of, "Janesh,

what the hell are you doing???". Stubborn I MAY [;-)] be, but because in my

heart I trust these people, I talk myself out of going down a course of

self-destruction or mental speculation.

 

Artificially changing one's body from male to female because of some contrived

speculative Western psychology will not help this man in any way except

perhaps the presumed desired pursuit of a different kind of sexual

satisfaction. I am not against that nor his desire to stay in touch with his

spiritual life, but I am not for calling it a sensible "cure". It will only

delay the inevitable realization that this material world sucks and to try to

artificially change it constantly, like America is addicted to, will not

succeed. Get real.

 

Prsni Prabhu needed a family of caring, sober, friendly, intelligent, honest -

PEOPLE DEVOTEES, to discuss his feelings with. ISKCON does not provide hardly

any of this. Never did.

 

Before I condemn this devotee to a hellish life of social stigma, ridicule,

mental agony and guilt I would have much preferred a chance to engage him

rightfully in varnasrama-dharma.

 

What about the feelings of his wife? Is there to be some sensitivity there?

 

I am sure Prsni ???? is a nice person and can definitely be a bhakta in any

condition. No question. But he has not been afforded good Vedic counseling

from honest non-pretentious people, otherwise he would not make this unwise

and unfortunate decision. I'll be there to say Hari bol! to him or help him

whether he has a vagina or a penis - that is really not my concern.

 

Bhakta Janesvara dasa