Is the following of Caturmasya vrata only valid in India(rainy season )?

July 13, 2003

Do Iskcon devotees perform the caturmasya vrata in the western countries ?

1. Fast from sak, green leafy vegetables including spinach

during Sridhar Maas (July 14 to August 12, 2003)

2. Fast from yogurt

during Hrisikes Maas (August 13 to September 10, 2003)

3. Fast from milk

during Padmanabh Maas (September 11 to October 10, 2003)

4. Fast from high protein foodstuffs such as masur daal and urad daal or soya

during Damodar (Kartik) Maas (October 11 to November 9, 2003)

Chatur-Maas should be observed by all sections of the population. It does not matter whether one is a grihastha or a sannyasi. The observance is obligatory for all asramas. The real purpose behind the vow taken during these four months is to minimize the quantity of sense gratification. This is not very difficult. In the month of Shraavan one should not eat sak, green leafy vegetables including spinach, in the month of Bhadra one should not eat yogurt, and in the month of Ashvin one should not drink milk. One should not eat high protein food during the month of Kaartik Masur daal and Urad daal contain a great amount of protein, and food extra rich in protein tends increased energy towards sense gratification. On the whole, during the four-month period of Chatur-Maas one should practice giving up all food intended for sense enjoyment.

According to Vedic culture, Chatur-maas is to be followed strictly by practicing many difficult austerities. For example, some sadhus eat only once a day. They place their food on the floor (usually unspiced khichri), put their hands behind their backs and accept only what they can eat by once bending down. As soon as they sit up again, their meal is over. Srila Prabhupada did not invite us to perform such austerities, but he did order us to avoid the prohibited foods for each of the four months. Therefore, we should follow this order strictly. If someone wants to perform more austerity, he can follow the spirit Srila Prabhupada mentions:"...during the four month period of Caturmasya, one should practice giving up all food intended for sense enjoyment."

The idea is to take the opportunity of the rainy season to cut down on sense gratification and utilize the saved time and energy for coming close to Sri Krishna. Following steps one through four as above indicated gives us the opportunity to please the Acharyas. By pleasing the pure devotee Acharyas of Sri Krishna, spiritual enlightenment is obtained. Simple and sublime.