important

[Guest guest]

> Prabhuji, in iSCKON slang the expression "mataji" very often

> carries quite some meaning and connotations, like: "a woman",

> "a stupid one", "a low class one". Like that.

 

WIthin my approaching 26 years in the movement, I have never, ever heard

anyone use that expression with any such connotations. This is completely new

to me and referring back to the initial posting on this conference, I cannot

agree that such usage of the term was employed as you are suggesting. Perhaps

all of our emotions are running too high.

>

> The overeagerness to use that expression might be awakening up

> some nasty ghosts of the past with some persons, prabhuji.

> Vedic culture has not really much to do with the ISCKON slang.

 

I cannot agree that my using the term mataji is ISKCON slang. I am online now

but am certain that Srila Prabhupada authorized its usage. Even if wrong, I

cannot see how this can be interpreted in such a negative manner.

 

Asfar as when we will achieve our goals, we all have to be patient. But at

least we have a perfect road map as set out by Srila Prabhupada.

>

> Prabhuji, the usage of "mataji" in our movement also seems to

> be very much different than that one in Vedic culture. And

> apparently, there is no such highly Vedic culture in this

> movement of ours. But you are right, the roles of women

> in that culture were very much different than in ISCKON -- those

> women were highly respected and nicely taken care of!

 

I think this is partially Ameyatma's prabhus point. He is suggesting that we

try to evolve ourselves to the standard set out in Srila Prabhupada books for

both varnasrama and spiritual direction. ON this, I am very much in agreement

with him. I have been deeply impressed by both Srila Prabhupada's teachings

and his personal example to such an extent that I have redirected my life to a

tangible degree in order to emulate those teachings. I am pitifully short on

coming to thestandard but I am not wanting to change the goal. Let us be

careful to lose sight of these goals based upon misapplication by neophyte

devotees. A category to which most of in not all belong. Unfortunately, the

women have taken much abuse over the years but they are not alone in this

position. Much of the grassroots have become disenfranchised due to these

misconceptions and they obviously continue on today.

> >

> > Is this movement not about trying to apply Srila Prabhupada's teachings?

>

> Let's do it. You have me on your side, prabhuji.

>

Jaya! Let's get busy.

>

> - Mahanidhi das

 

Respectfully,

 

Vyapaka dasa