women low er birth?

[Guest guest]

> In chapter 9.32 of the Bhagavad-Gita, it is mentioned that women are of

> lower birth. What is the purpose of identification of body when in

> devotional service there is no need for such distinction between the lower

> and higher classes.

 

This isn't exactly what that verse says. It is saying women, vaisyas,

sudras or even sinful people if they surrender to Lord Sri Krishna can be

delivered. It then compared indirectly that if they can be delivered then

what to speak of a fully qualified Brahmana or King. They can be easily

delivered by Krsna bhakti. So it doesn't exactly say women are a "lower

birth" as such. If it says that at all then it is saying that Brahmanas and

Kshatriyas who are fully qualified are a higher birth. Highly trained

Brahmanas and Kings fully equiped with wisdom and mystic powers were

existing at the time Lord Sri Krishna spoke this to Arjuna. In comparison

with them generally most women were considered less sophisticated and

developed.

 

Apart from them women were placed in the highest position. How many

qualified Brahmanas or Kings are there on earth today? That puts women in a

very high position actually. Women are mentioned ahead of Vaisyas or

vedicly initiated business magnates (which are also quite rare). I wouldn't

read too much into this verse other than what Lord Sri Krishna wanted to

say, which was how everyone could be delivered. Brahmanas and Kings were

generally considered more capable at intellectual understanding and

religious austerities than the others mentioned, although there are always

exceptions. Lord Sri Krishna statement was that anyone who surrendered to

Him would be delivered.

 

You are correct in saying that Krishna consciousness is dealing with the

spirit soul and irregardless of the particular body (male or female) we have

the full oppurtunity to be Krishna conscious in this lifetime; to develop

love for Lord Sri Krishna in this lifetime; and to return Back to Godhead.

This is the mercy of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu to all fallen

souls of all kinds of bodies.