Page 16 - BIKC - Eng
P. 16

xiv         BRAHMACARYA IN KÅÑËA CONSCIOUSNESS

          it is understood that most brahmacärés will eventually marry. Yet
          one’s initial training in Kåñëa consciousness is most important. And
          we must give newly recruited devotees a vision of lifelong
          commitment to Kåñëa consciousness, whatever their external
          situation may be.
             So brahmacarya in Kåñëa consciousness shouldn’t just mean
          wearing saffron cloth for a while before getting married (“the
          waiting room”). It is a serious training program for both the
          attached, those who intend to marry, and the detached, those who
          want to remain single throughout their lives. The more strictly we
          follow, the more benefit we derive.
             Of course, brahmacarya is not the goal of life—Kåñëa
          consciousness is. Not simply by accepting brahmacarya will one
          become a pure devotee of Kåñëa. Indeed, many already married
          couples take to Kåñëa consciousness and make steady advancement
          without ever having had brahmacäré training.
             However, if one is afforded the opportunity for  brahmacäré
          training he should eagerly accept it, as it is the best possible start on
          the long ascent to Vaikuëöha. Training and personal guidance are
          essential, especially for new and inexperienced devotees. Hence this
          book is not intended as, nor could it possibly be, a substitute for
          personal supervision. It can only be auxiliary to such tutelage.
             Many classes of devotees may benefit from this book. Gurukula
          students and teachers will find value herein. For despite a boy’s
          gurukula education, the present social atmosphere is such that upon
          attaining puberty, sex desire may well hit him like the in-rushing
          waves of the sea. How then will he cope? This book will help him.
             Herein there is also much valuable information for gurus,
          sannyäsés,  temple leaders, and other senior devotees for whom
          preaching to and caring for brahmacärés is an important aspect of
          their service. Certainly every temple president wants to have a team
          of enthusiastic brahmacärés, for when inspired, brahmacärés render
          tremendous service.
             Gåhastha men may also derive strength from this book, in
          preparation for the renunciation that they must ultimately accept as
          vänaprasthas if they actually intend to perfect their lives.
             And herein devotee women can learn more about how and why
          to act cautiously around men. For while the scriptures repeatedly
   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21