[Jagannath] Papa-yonayah: re: lack of trust, etc.

February 22, 2000

Namaskara Sanjay and Dina-natha dasa,

Sri Krsna, in the Bhagavad-gita, underscores what Dina-natha has been saying and quoting from Srila Prabhupada's Srimad Bhagavatam purports. Bhagavan Sri Krsna, being transcendental to any gunas (material qualities), is neither political, nor Vedic, but stands as the undisputed authority on all subjects. This is because He is the source of the Vedas, as well as the three qualities of nature, indeed the entire creation itself. (Aham sarvasya prabhavah).

In Chapter nine, verse 32 of the Gita, Krsna teaches Arjuna about the unqualified and complete protection given to His devotees, regardless of what classification of society they may come in:

Mam hi partha vyapasritya

Ye 'pi syuh papa-yonayah

Striyo vaisyas tatha sudras

Te 'pi yanti param gatim

"O son of Prtha, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth -- women, merchants, and workers -- can attain the supreme destination".

The word "papa-yonayah" is significant here, as it means in effect "those born of a lower family". Now, if there were no distinction in Krsna's mind between the status of man and woman, why would He include women, as a class, in the same category as vaisyas (mercantile class), or Sudras (laborer class)? In fact, "Papa" refers to those impious activities they may direct one to a lower birth in future lifetimes. The point Krsna makes, however, is that one may be of any classification in society, but if he/she is surrendered to the Supreme Absolute, then there really are no distinctions. Materially there are, but spiritually there are not.

The instructions of the Gita, apart from others, are therefore liberating for women, as the apparent material distinctions are made trivial in light of the true, eternal and transcendental nature of the soul. This is more important than politics, or placating women with niceties, or whatever may also be stated in the Vedas, but which only talks around the subject of the eternal relationship between the soul and God.

Anyway, Dina-natha, thanks a million for sending Sri Chanakya Niti-shastra!

With regards,

Robert

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