With any religion it seems there is always the fear of the woman as inferior and put in a role. In fact, it goes the same for men and most living sentient beings wishing to practice or are practicing. Yet religion and spirituality is a fulfilling and rewarding path to attain enlightenment, happiness, peace, and much more. In this section I want to breifly address some of my discoveries and thoughts especially on the women's subject, which has been brought to my attention from reading the Bhagavad-gita, through my research and experiences, and for today's reminder of Women's Day 2020 where people have been fighting for the rights of women worldwide since as long as we can remember. Historically, the women's day protests since the early 1900s and throughout time women have been seeking liberation also known as tantra.
Firstly, I will begin with the ideas of vegetarian and veganism, which is what I had originally dedicated my intentions for these 'krishnacore' writings. These practices of nonviolence, compassion, and love are feminine, masculine, and beyond in the conciousness of Krishna as well as in thoughts of his beloved mother Yashoda. Yashoda and Krishna's story together is truly about profound womenly love from the breast milk she gives to Krishna, to the all compassionate, blessed prasadam she feeds to him, and the story of her attempt to bind him with butter. As a woman she exhibits strength as powerful to the lord with her immense motherly love, intertwined with sacred prasadam.
"Mother Yashoda’s love is unmatched in purity and is unlike any other that even the infinite Lord who pervades the entire creation is bound by her love."
“Because mother loves the most in this material world, there is no comparison of mother's love. Without any exchange. Even in this material world. Mother loves the child without any expectation of return generally…that is called unalloyed love. Anyabhilasita-sunyam, free from all material gain.” -Srila Prabhupada Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.31 lecture, Los Angeles, April 23, 1973
The next point I want to bring up is about gender, queer, and lgbt - an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. Many know February as LGBTQ history month and with this month of Women's History Month. These are issues that have been extensively theorized, written and spoken about. At one of the top conclusions is that 'Krishna' accepts all. He knows all, he loves all, and all are welcome to be with God, and love the lord Hare Krishna.
The only problematics are the evident biological nature of the body meaning it is not exactly possible to create children in same sex marriage except through other means. Also, made attention for lgbtq are those who want to live in the ashram. This is still possible, however devotees are called to attention that they can properly manage themselves. This is such an important topic for everyone in the community because of course it may still be difficult for others to accept and understand. However, again at the highest conciousness all are loved, accepted, and allowed to practice in the name of love for the lord god Hare Krishna.
These are very important and deep topics for Hare Krishnas and from my research there is alot of room for growth, acceptance, and integration for lgbtq and those concerned with gender. In my personal opinion, upon first glance we can already understand that Krishna is an other worldy being like an alien. This has also been spoken about and a topic I feel most connected with. Beyond the body is the soul and spirit, without this energy the body is nothing according to the philosophies and scriptures. Hare Krishna is connecting to me alot as a divine celestial being and in everything. He has even very beautiful feminine qualities, and harmonious in shiva shakti union.
There are also many allegations of the sexism and racism on Srila Prabhupada towards women and gender issues, but on the contrary it is not true. Srila Prabhupada was always empowering the women devotees and everyone through the movement. He was also always organizing events to help the women. There are so many women preachers and gurus that are teaching the works of Hare Krishna and ISKCON. Women and men are encouraged to be together in harmony whether it be cooking, chanting, praying, or in satsung. He was so loved as a spiritual master by many women and was very caring for the women devotees.
