Page 45 - Powerful Feminine Qualities

“Lust is only the perverted reflection of the love of God which is natural for every living entity. But if one is educated in
Krishna consciousness from the very beginning, that natural love of God cannot deteriorate into lust. When love of
God deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition. Nonetheless, Krishna consciousness is
so powerful that even a late beginner can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional
service. So, from any stage of life, or from the time of understanding its urgency, one can begin regulating the senses
in Krishna consciousness, devotional service of the Lord, and turn the lust into love of Godhead — the highest
perfectional stage of human life.”(Bg. 3.41)
Love of God is natural. Lust is not natural. When water is frozen, it becomes ice. However, ice is not the natural state
of water. When it melts, it comes back to its natural liquid state. This is why we have our Synergy school for education
from preschool to seventh grade and our temple Sunday school. We want to educate our children right from the
beginning of life how to love Krishna.
There are regulative principles to follow in Krishna consciousness:
• four things to do everyday:
o chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra at least 16 rounds,
o read and discuss the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam,
o accept only Krishna prasadam for nourishment,
o visit the temple and offer service to Radha and Krishna and
• four things not to do
o no meat/fish/eggs,
o no gambling and mental speculation,
o no illicit sex,
o no intoxication
We teach a new person how to chant a minimum of sixteen rounds of japa mala (chanting on beads at least 1728
times a day) to prepare themselves for first initiation, diksa, and later upanayanam or brahminical initiation so that
they can actually worship the Deity in the temple. These are important steps in transforming lust into love. When
devotional service is sustained, along with the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, hearing daily the
Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, then a miraculous transformation of lust into love takes place.
It is best to cultivate Krishna consciousness right from the beginning of life so that love for Krishna does not
deteriorate into lust. The critical years are from 12 to 20. If the children can remain chaste through their puberty until
reaching maturity, they have a very good chance of not letting love of God deteriorate into lust for sense gratification.
Chastity is necessary for spiritual study so that one can concentrate without the disturbance of sex desire and
hankerings for material possessions. With a peaceful mind focused on pleasing one’s spiritual master and Krishna, the
neophyte becomes highly qualified in regular spiritual practices. After receiving proper training and initiation, the
student may desire to get married to a proper person. Together, they can successfully follow Krishna consciousness
throughout married life and, when their children are grown, undertake a gradual life of renunciation and intense
service and contemplation on Krishna.
I know one boy who attended the Sammamish ISKCON temple since he was nine years old. When he arrived in the
United States from India he couldn’t speak English. His father brought him to the temple almost every Sunday. Then
the family moved to Bellingham. Later the boy attended the University of Washington and came to my lectures every
week in the University district. He always stayed in touch with Krishna consciousness. Recently, he visited the temple
and spoke with me about his career as a heart cardiologist in the Skagit Valley area of Washington State.
He was trained in Krishna consciousness, and wherever he went, he practiced Krishna consciousness by keeping in
touch with devotees. He married a nice girl, and they will move back to Seattle after he finishes his last internship. He
will obtain a permanent position in a hospital or pursue a private practice.

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