deterioration of memory and intellect by sense-gratification

[Guest guest]

Mahaprabhu prabhu wrote:

 

> Generally we are made believe that our memory and intellect deteriorates by

> less nutritious foodstuffs due to Kali-influence and also by discharge of

> semen.

 

We are not just made to belive, it is really a fact. This is confirmed by Srila

Prabhupada in the Bhagavatam SB 1.1.10 purp & POP Chapter 5:

 

When the sages of Naimisaranya analyzed the state of affairs of the

people in this age of Kali, they foresaw that men would live short lives.

In Kali-yuga, the duration of life is shortened not so much because of

insufficient food but because of irregular habits. By keeping regular habits

and eating simple food, any man can maintain his health. Overeating,

over-sense gratification, overdependence on another's mercy, and artificial

standards of living sap the very vitality of human energy. Therefore the

duration of life is shortened.

 

"As stated before, this determination can be attained only by one who

does not indulge in sex. Celibacy makes one's determination strong;

therefore, from the very beginning Krsna states that the yogi does not engage

in sex. If one indulges in sex, one's determination will be flickering.

Therefore sex life should be controlled according to the rules and

regulations governing the grhastha-asrama, or sex should be given up

altogether. Actually, it should be given up altogether, but if this is not

possible, it should be controlled. Then determination will come because,

after all, determination is a bodily affair. Determination means

continuing to practice Krsna consciousness with patience and

perseverance. If one does not immediately attain the desired results, one

should not think, "Oh, what is this Krsna consciousness? I will

give it up." No, we must have determination and faith in Krsna's

words."

 

> How to reconcile this by the statement of Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita,

> wherein He says that knowledge, remembrance and forgetfulness come from Him

 

The answer to this question is given by Prabhupada SB 3.5.25 purp:

 

The material nature, known as maya, is both the material and efficient

cause of the cosmos, but in the background the Lord is the

consciousness for all activities. As in the individual body the

consciousness is the source of all energies of the body, so the supreme

consciousness of the Lord is the source of all energies in material nature.

 

So forgetfulness comes due to Maya's influence (like loss of semen or lack of

nutritious food etc etc.) but ultimately the Lord is the source of even Maya.

 

> Or,in other words: can material disadvantageous factors negatively influence

> the subtle reciprocation of Krishna with His devotee?

 

It depends on the level of advancement of the devotee in question. If he is

100% on the spiritual platform, then no material factors can affect him. If he

is 80% on the spiritual platform and 20% on the material platform, then he is

affected 20%. He has to make use of all the favourable factors in his 20%

material connection to decrease his material connection more & more.

 

If you call sense-gratification a material activity which it is, it surely

obstructs one's reciprocation to Krsna.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Vaisnava dasabhas

Nayana-ranjana das br.