Page 33 - BIKC - Eng
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RESTRICTING ASSOCIATION WITH WOMEN            15

              In Kåñëa consciousness, man is good and woman is good; but,
          in the conditional stage, the combination is always dangerous. 38
          Better to be careful than sorry. Even in the short history of
          ISKCON, we have seen many stalwart, sincere devotees (including
          sannyäsés) fall down because of carelessness and complacency in
          dealing with women. “In our Kåñëa consciousness movement it is
          advised that the sannyäsés and brahmacärés keep strictly aloof from
          the association of women so that there will be no chance of their
          falling down again as victims of lusty desires.” 39
              The material world is so designed that unless one goes to the
          jungles or mountains, he must have some dealings with the
          opposite sex. In the modern world there is no protection for
          brahmacärés; man-woman relationships are quite free (which is the
          beginning of all hellish life, and quite unsuitable for spiritual
          progress).
              ISKCON brahmacärés have to deal with women (both
          devotees and nondevotees) a lot more than traditional
          brahmacärés did, and in less favorable circumstances. Dealings
          with women should he formal, polite—and as little as possible. If
          some talk must be there, keep your distance (stand well apart),
          avoid eye contact, and finish the business as soon as possible.
          Never get into an argument with a woman. Strict brahmacärés do
          not attend marriage ceremonies, watch dramas with parts played
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          by women, 41  or see women dancing or hear their singing. 42  The
          general principle to avoid intimate association must be strictly
          maintained. It is foolish to think that one can freely mix with the
          opposite sex and remain unagitated. Even the great  brahmacäré
          Bhéñmadeva expressed that he could not save himself if he were to
          associate with young girls. 43
              Nor should brahmacärés accept service from women (even
          prasäda service should be separate). It is especially dangerous for
          a brahmacäré to see and talk to the same woman repeatedly. Once
          a friendly relationship is established, the downfall of the
          brahmacäré has begun.
              Remember, women are powerful. Caesar controlled a mighty
          empire, but Cleopatra controlled Caesar. Of course, having to
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