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EDITORIAL January 26, 1999 VNN2913 See Related VNN Stories Striyo Vaisyas Tatha Sudrah BY MAHALAKSMI DASI EDITORIAL, Jan 26 (VNN) — STIYO VAISYAS TATHA SUDRAH... Such a body is lowborn Dear readers, please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. I am certainly not qualified in any way to say that I understand my spiritual master's books; but I would like to humbly differ with various points brought out by Prtha in her article on VNN, entitled "A NEW THING" Perhaps mother Prtha has not taken time to read the the Srimad Bhagavatam, given by Srila Prabhupada (including his purports). There are so many references to a woman being in a disadvantaged body; here is one specific quote (Canto 4, CH28, verse 59... Chapter entitled Puranjana Becomes a Woman in the Next Life) "King Puranjana assumed the body of a woman, Vaidarbhi, as a result of his sinful activities. Bhagavad-gita clearly says (striyo vaisyas tatha sudrah) that such a body is lowborn. If one takes shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, however, he can be elevated to the highest perfection, even though he be lowborn. One acquires lower births when one's spiritual intelligence is reduced." It is my personal opinion that to sit up and deny that a womanly body is lowborn, is not only a manifestation of pride, but it is in direct opposition to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. Needless to say, spiritual growth begins when a prospective devotee comes to the point of humility; when humility enters the heart, there is no longer any personal sense of indignation from the statements, "such a body is lowborn", When one is truly humble, there is no disturbance at accepting the concept that one body is inferior to another, as IT IS ONLY THE BODY, NOT THE SOUL. However, it is a perversion of the philosophy to say, as mother Prtha has, that Srila Prabhupada did not recognize the difference. Why would he give the above explanation, from the fourth canto, and specifically add in there, "One acquires lower births when one's spiritual intelligence is reduced?" I believe that the concept of Prabhupada bringing "A New Thing" to America is not properly being represented in her article. The "new thing", as I see it, is his causeless mercy, that he could encourage and develop bhakti in the hearts of everyone. Certainly, there were and will continue to be many souls in women's bodies who are more intelligent than the majority of men;(only a fool would deny that) these women, again, these souls, are only exceptional as long as they are humble. I agree with mother Prtha on her point that many men have misused the positions given to them by the society. Perhaps it will not be until the new generations of management takes over, that enough realizations from past mistakes will provide insight for new leaders. But the lacking in the men does not provide a logical sequence to the concept of women declaring they are equal to men. Spiritually, yes, but as long as we are in material bodies, no. Srila Prabhupada's instructions are that even if we reach the topmost level of Krsna Consciousness, still it is our duty to always abide by the rules and regulations for conditioned souls in order to set an example for humanity in general. Without this example, specifically of women understanding their role in society, (whether married or not----that is not the issue----the issue is developing humility) there can never be development of varnashram dharma, which is the framework for a peaceful, God conscious human civilization. While I disagree with the context of her article, I personally feel that there should be more concern for the women of the movement to be given facilities to be inspiration to other women. That would include allowing them to give class, at least one or two days in a week designated (if there are women in any given Mandir capable of doing so). This should not be "ego clash"; meaning, the temple president responds by saying, "Oh, well, I don't see anyone qualified", though there may be... rather it should be a principle to inspire, strengthen, and attract new women, and to encourage the one's allowed to give the classes to read, memorize, and study Srila Prabhupada's books more intently. Again, humility is given in Bhagavad Gita as the beginning of knowledge. let us all pray to realize that quality at every moment. Hoping that my words have not offended anyone, Your servant, Mahalaksmi Dasi See Related VNN Stories | Comment on this Story This story URL: http://www.vnn.org/editorials/ET9901/ET26-2913.html
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