Letter to: Sankarasan : 72-09-30 Los Angeles

[Guest guest]

"Your question is how much or how little brahmacaris should

associate with the unmarried brahmacarinis in the temple. As brahmacari you

should not mix at all with brahmacarinis. Actually they should not at all

see the face, but that is not possible in your country. But so far as

possible, remain separate and talk almost nil. Brahmacari is advised not to

go near a young woman anywhere. A brahmacari should always address every

woman as mother. In your country it is a little difficult, but the principle

is to avoid. To talk secretly or privately is strictly prohibited. If you

want to discuss philosophy and other matters you can discuss publicly in a

meeting, but not privately. A brahmacari and unmarried woman in the same

room together alone is strictly forbidden."

 

 

Srila Prabhupada says here, "A brahmacari should always address every woman

as mother." I noticed one thing - it is much easier to address ladies as

"mothers" rather that "matajis". Word "mataji" became, as many other words,

a part of 'ISKCON slang' (so to say).

 

So we often say 'mataji' but with little or no feeling about it's meaning.

When I say 'mother' to a lady it makes different impression on my mind, and

I sure noticed it does on theirs.

 

RGd