Guest guest Posted January 25, 2002 Report Share Posted January 25, 2002 > But this is not my point. I am saying that the way our > transcendental philosophy is presented brings much confusion and > does not dispel the ignorance of this world, its prime function. We > use the scriptures to force the world to stop sinning. All the > countries and religious organizations that have adopted this path > have always failed in an embarrassing way. If you want to show that > Krisna Consciousness is worth trying, another paradigm should be > developed. It should be based on vaisnava love and harmonized with > democratic values. Actually, our transcendental philosophy does not bring confusion. It brings clarity and perspective. The only reason we are confused is when we don't follow the philosophy or don't accept it. Srila Prabhupada is the only one on the planet who came to the west and told us the truth. That is beyond doubt. Therefore we should stick with his teachings, and shun all other philosophies or interpretations. No one can excel Srila Prabhupada in purity. He is the founder acarya and the one to whom we pledge our faith. In fact, Srila Prabhupada's teachings are the central point of Iskcon. Without his teachings there is no meaning to Iskcon. If we can stick to this very simple principle everything becomes very simple and no one has to be confused. Ys, Jahnu das Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2002 Report Share Posted January 25, 2002 > > But this is not my point. I am saying that the way our > > transcendental philosophy is presented brings much confusion > >Actually, our transcendental philosophy does not bring confusion. ??? No one said the philosophy brings confusion - the first sentence talks about the way it's *presented* - not the philosophy itself. Why add even more confusion to this discussion? ;-) ys, Madhusudani dasi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2002 Report Share Posted January 26, 2002 > > > But this is not my point. I am saying that the way our > > > transcendental philosophy is presented brings much confusion > > > >Actually, our transcendental philosophy does not bring confusion. > > ??? No one said the philosophy brings confusion - the first > sentence talks about the way it's *presented* - not the philosophy > itself. Why add even more confusion to this discussion? ;-) I still maintain, though, that our philosophy is being explained very clearly by Srila Prabhupada and his followers. Confusion only arises when we begin to doubt the philosophy and think our minds can come up with something better. Or maybe someone will feel bad and guilty for not being able to strictly follow the high standard given by Srila Prabhupada, and therefore he'll accept a lower standard just so he can feel good about himself. Personally I'll rather aim for the highest standard, even though I may not be able to follow it strictly at this point in my life, than having to change the philosophy and fabricate a lower standard, just so I can feel good about myself and not have to feel guilty. I know in modern psychology guilt is considered bad and a stumbling block to personal growth. But I think guilt feeling is very good. I find that it propels me to always try to be a better follower and a better person. Guilt is only bad if one doesn't have the humility or has too much false ego, which amounts to the same, to see oneself truthfully. The plain truth is basically that most of us are sinful rascals who don't want to surrender to Krishna unconditionally. We are always holding back. I know I am always holding back and giving myself excuses not to surrender fully, but at least I realize that for what it is, namely maya. I don't have to change the philosophy or seek other gurus to accomodate my impurities. Instead I always hope and pray to Krishna that before this life is over I'll be able to become a pure devotee. Another thing is that if one does not regularly chant the Hare Krishna mantra one is bound to be confused and misled by his mind, because the holy name is the only thing at this point in time that can protect us against the faults of kali-yuga. If you were to make a survey in ISKCON I can guarantee you'll find that those who are confused by the philosophy or the way it is presented, are the ones who don't chant their rounds. Ys, Jahnu das Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2002 Report Share Posted January 26, 2002 At 10:18 AM 1/26/02 +1000, Jahnu (das) (Byron Bay - AU) wrote: > I still maintain, though, that our philosophy is being explained >very clearly by Srila Prabhupada and his followers. But if all his followers were clear - we wouldn't have these debates, would we? ;-) Or is it just those who agree with you who can call themselves his followers? :-( > Confusion only >arises when we begin to doubt the philosophy I'm not sure I agree. It seems most people think their beliefs do represent the philosophy - even if they have radically different views from each other. >Personally I'll rather aim for the highest standard, even though I may >not be able to follow it strictly at this point in my life, than >having to change the philosophy and fabricate a lower standard, just >so I can feel good about myself and not have to feel guilty. Good for you. I mean it. >If you were to make a survey in ISKCON I can guarantee you'll find >that those who are confused by the philosophy or the way it is >presented, are the ones who don't chant their rounds. Well, at least that's a testable hypotheses - if people are honest at least. What bothers me more is seeing devotees who chant their rounds religiously, but who still do detestable things, like abusing their wives, or molesting children. Madhu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.