We have nothing to do with Varnasrama.

[Guest guest]

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. Our position is that we are above varna-asrama. But

for the management of the ideal society we are introducing this. But as far

as we are concerned, Krsna conscious men, we are above varna-asrama. To

show the people that we are not escaping we can take part in any order of

life. That is our position. Just like if I brush somebody's shoes, that

does not mean that I am shoemaker. My position is the same, but to show how

to do it . . . Just like the servant is doing and the master is saying, "Oh,

you cannot do it, just see." Just like I show you how to mop. I am not a

mopper, but I show you how to mop. So our position is like that. We do not

belong to any varna or asrama but we have to show this rascal. Just like

Druva Maharaj, he is perfect Vaisnava, but when he was king he was fighting

like anything. When the enemy attacked his kingdom he was killing them like

anything and the enemy's king came and asked him to pardon them and he

immediately accepted. And the king wanted to give him some benediction

that, "He was so great that simply on my request he will stop killing me."

But he said, "That's all right, thank you. You give me the benediction that

I become a pure lover of Krsna." That's all the benediction he asked. He

was so powerful and the enemy could have given him the whole wealth of the

universe but he remained, "Thank you very much. You give me the benediction

that I remain a pure devotee of Krsna." This is Vaisnava. He is doing

everything but his aim is to please Krsna. Similarly, even if we take to

varna-asrama. Similarly, if we act in varna-asrama, still we have nothing

to do with varna-asrama.

 

-----------Srila Prabhupada, morning walks, 1974 Vrindavan.

[Guest guest]

"Bhadra Govinda (das) JPS (Singapore - SG)" wrote:

 

> Srila Prabhupada: Yes. Our position is that we are above varna-asrama. But

> for the management of the ideal society we are introducing this. But as far

> as we are concerned, Krsna conscious men, we are above varna-asrama. To

> show the people that we are not escaping we can take part in any order of

> life. That is our position. Just like if I brush somebody's shoes, that

> does not mean that I am shoemaker.

 

I am not a goalie, I am not a defender, I am not a midfielder, I am not a

striker. I am something else than those things. Even though I play futball

and may act in any of those positions, my true identity is not limited by

that

activity.

 

Similarly, in order to eat, there has to be social economic order. If I eat,

I have to act in that socio - economic order, but my true identity is not

limited to my varna.

 

Varna and ashram are two dimensions. Being a devotee is a third dimension.

They are complementary and inclusive, not exclusive.It is possible to have VAD

and be a devotee, but VAD is an intregal part of being a devotee.

[Guest guest]

On 23 Oct 2000, Mark Middle Mountain wrote:

 

> I am not a goalie, I am not a defender, I am not a midfielder, I am >not

a striker. I am something else than those things. Even though I >play

futball and may act in any of those positions, my true identity >is not

limited by that activity.

 

Actually "I am a golie. I am a defender. I am a midfielder. I am a striker.

I am ready to take any of these positions according to what my coach

(Guru/Krishna) wants me to take." My true position is at the lotus feet of

Guru and Krishna. I am simply a pawn/puppet in their hands.

 

Your humble servant,

Bhadra Govinda Das.