Brahmachari Ashram seminar

Hare Krishna to all Vaisnavas ,please accept my humble obeisances all
Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Here are some interesting and useful points from a recent Brahmacari
conference at Bhaktivedanta manor.Sorry if is a bit disorganized, it is only
copied from hints written in the note book, it is not audio recorded.

Taruna das (Bhaktivedanta manor - UK)
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Brahmacari conference highlights /Apr.10-11, 06.

Studying;

****Philosophical deviation - the effects of not studying books
A) Mayavada - thinking that there is no differences between master and
servant
***Even if we do chant Maha Mantra , if we deviate than Krsna reserves the
right to manifest in His holy name.

--Scrutinizingly study Srila Prabhupada’s books and you will never be
fanatical follower or dry speculator and you will always understand the
mission of Srila Prabhupada.
--Submissive prayefully crying to understand books will bring fruit of
understanding


B) Search for higher recourse

C) Dabbling in New Age mundane theories
- mind does not accept simplicity of Prabhupadas books and want
something complicated,speculative

Examples;
**Sometimes there is argument about where we have fallen from; is it
Vaikunta, or Visnuloka,or so.
-There is no point of arguing where we are coming from.This will not bring
us anywhere , even if we are in right.
Vaisnava concern is of how to go back there, and to apply to the process
which will bring us there.

3 levels of studying Vedic literature;

1.Sravanam-Hearing
2.Manam-Thinking,understanding
3.Nirdhyasana-Realizing

Brahmacari progression ;
Hearing > Understanding >>Practice>Realization

Grihasta progression;
Hearing >Understanding >Practice >Experience >Realization

In the life of genuine Brahmacari there is ,perhaps, hundred lifetimes of
experiences in Grihasta life.And now finally he has deep impressions of this
stacked in his mind and He want to avoid to enter grihasta life
again.Therefore he is renounced easily.
While grihasta maybe does not have enough of such impressions from past
lives, and He wants to experience , regardless of sastric knowledge about
grihasta life he has, still the fruit of renouncement is still not yet
ripenned.

End is the same for both asramas, plus grihastas need experience ,but
regardless of this if both asramas properly follow their rules and
regulations , they both can go back home back to Godhead.

If need is to intense for grihasta life than one have to fulfill it.Than the
mind becomes detached. If you can tolerate and overcome it, that's good, if
not than enter into it.

Like for example; Food is available on Ekadasi days. So , how much is your
need.
If you cannot fulfill the need or to overcome it ,than you will be
miserable.You cannot be artificial

Brahmacari should make arrangements to behave properly within his asrama
- perhaps change behavior and not the asrama.

-Eliminate bad environment, not conductive for practicing brahmacarya.
-Lust is just like storm ,it comes and will go away .So, tolerate it.

**Brahmacaris need protective environment to maintain the vow

Unless you fully experience practice of Brahmacarya, you will not know what
brahmacari asrama is.Or you will be bitter internally and externally.
............................................................................
***Aspects of Sadhana;
1) Morning program ;
We have to condition our self for morning program.

2) Service;
Dovetailing our propensities in Devotional service.

3) Studying;
-studying means worship through intelligence
- developing conviction about Krishna conciousness
-overcoming the passionate nature
-establishing our self in the mood of goodness

***Relationships;
Discussing Krsna Katha with other brahmacaris
Developing deep friendship with other brahmacaris;
-- tolerate each other
--forgive - if we don’t ,than Krsna will not forgive to us
--respect - lack of it creates conflict
--encourage - to see potentials of other
--appreciate - to appreciate anyone’s attempt to practice Devotional life

**If you want to show your strength you have to be united

-Sometimes our greatest strength is actually our greatest weakness, but only
others can tell you this.And they can tell you only if there is
relationship.

-Subordinates (like for example congregation we cultivate , etc )can lift
you high up and can easily drag you down.Therefore you should hear about
your qualities from equals.

-If nobody is telling you what to do or what is wrong about you, this is the
most dangerous situation.
Allow others, near you,to express their opinion about you.
- Sometimes just by revealing your problem to other ,Krsna cuts off the
problem it self.

HINTS ;

*** Maintain the balance between service, mission to Srila Prabhupada and
studying books

**It is important that brahmacari becomes subordinate fully to at least one
person, possibly to more persons.

***If we are humble than Krsna is keeping our senses under control.
If we are proud ,than Krsna is withdrawing His control, and we are feeling
weak.

**Sincere Devotee enjoys fight with Maya

**Only protection for brahmacari is showing respect to others, just as for
the ladies is their shyness and chastity.
**To hear from advanced devotees and act upon this.

**People really don’t know why they are getting married .That they really
know, than nobody would do.


Brahmacari should make arrangements to behave properly within his asrama
- perhaps change behavior and not the asrama.

-Eliminate bad environment, not conductive for practicing brahmacarya.
-Lust is just like storm ,it comes and will go away .So, tolerate it.
**Brahmacaris need protective environment to maintain the vow
...........................................................
**Reasons for leaving brahmacari asrama;
a) inattentiveness
- not understanding the dangers

b) past conditionings

c) foolish mistakes;
- misplaced compassion towards women

Relationships problems;
a) impersonalism
b) conflict
-emotional needs must be fulfilled within Holly name , Sanga ,Holly
Dhama,Deity Worship and service.
-- Any relationship not centered around Krishna is simply exploitation

*** If they say there is no security within brahmacari life, than we can ask
where is the security within grihasta life? It is insecure also.But still
both sides must do it, because there is need for both

*** Not any asrama is permanent, it is just progression

***Do not look back, fear no future, experience the present.

**Do not hold (or create) security arrangements in pocket beside of Krsna
,like a;
-just in case ,I have this or that if I move out, or if I don’t make as a
brahmacari, or if I fall down ,etc .Do not worry about past or future .Just
experience full Krsna conscioucness now.

*** We need all 4 asramas in Iskcon to survive.
'One whole village is raising one child'
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Brahmacari symptoms:(observation of H.G Mahadyuti Prabhu)

1) Flexible not rigid or fanatical, it does not get frustrated over change
of circumstances, able to adjust.
2) Constantly, humbly, submissively, enthusiastically and faithfully work
under authority

**Immunization in brahmacari asrama

* Sadhana strong
* Proper behavior
* Strong association with other brahmacaris
* No joking, over appreciation, or friendship with woman
-it confuses the ladies when we act inappropriately and they do not like
this feeling.