Page 16 - BIKC - Eng

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