The culture is the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time. The culture of the human society varies widely around the world and through the history. While reflecting the value system of the society, the culture simultaneously acts back on society’s members, influencing their thinking, values, choices etc. Thus the local culture of upbringing is conditioning the thinking, the acting and the interacting of the individuals from the very moment of their birth.
Being born in particular society, the individual receives his first initiation in the local culture by receiving a name. The name is already surcharged culturally, thus branding the individual as a representative of his nation, family etc. This already provokes strong sense of identification of the individual with his local and national background. The name giving is followed by learning the local language, code of dressing, customs, etiquette, moral, philosophy, values etc. of which the individual becomes more or less an embodiment. The family, the society, the educational system, the media are further imprinting culturally conditioned patterns of thinking and behavior.
And the problem with this is that we have a materialistic culture nowadays. It programs us to think, feel and act as materialists. It cultivates habits that are detrimental in the context of the low of karma.
With such background as ISKCON devotees, even after we accept the Gaudia-Vaishnavism, we still carry on many of our old, unwanted habits and convictions.
Fortunately the pure devotional service is ahaituki apratihata. It does not depend on anything material and cannot be obstructed by anything material.
Thus our background, whatever it may be, is not an obstacle which can stop our advancement in Krishna consciousness.
Nonetheless, if our bhakti lata is weak, our anarthas can significantly slow down its growth, as deeply rooted weeds in the garden of our hearts.
That’s why as part of the vaishnava culture we do accept a new name, hair-style, clothes etc. as new designations, so that they can overwrite the old ones, contaminated with materialistic identification (go-das/i). The new designations inspire us to identify ourselves as Krishna das/i. The replacement of our materialistic samskaras with new ones, connected with Krishna, can naturally be extended further by adopting the brahminical culture as something favorable for our service to Krishna. The brahminical culture is God–made, as integral part of the varnashrama system, while our materialistic background culture is man–made and full with defects. Varnashrama is effective and practical in its variations throughout the universe and exists since the Creation. The subtle point here is that even following this auspicious culture, we will get entangled if we do not see the connection of our activities with Krishna.
“Without protection of cows, brahminical culture cannot be maintained; and without brahminical culture, the aim of life cannot be fulfilled.”(SB 8.5.24, purport)
Daivi – varnashrama is particularly the system which is God centered and suitable for the society of devotees. The Brahminical culture is exalted, sophisticated and even though still material (being sattvic), with the brahminical qualities it cultivates, it is the perfect culture for the devotees.
The brahminical qualities of a surrendered devotee will protect him from aparadhas and will help him to perform his service. This is even truer in the beginning stages of our devotional service (kanishtha adhikari). In some services heaving and cultivating brahminical qualities is mandatory (pujari, cook etc.). The brahminical culture will further provide a perfect practical solution for the devotee’s needs as members of the society, particularly as:
- social interaction
- mental development
- physical health
- means of livelihood
The brahminical qualities are highly superior to the qualities we have cultivated, based on our background culture. But we should keep in mind that the brahminical qualities are the way we do our service and are not valuable on their own, without being engaged in Krishna’s service. Here is the Vaishnava sidhanta in this regard: “The status of a pure Vaishnava is transcendental to the brahminical culture” (SB 2.4.18, purport).
Concluding on the importance of the brahminical culture, we’ll recall that the brahmanas are the “head” of the Varnashrama society. Brahmanas can train and create ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras. The opposite is not the case.
To promote this favorable brahminical culture in ISKCON, we suggest the following methods as very practical and effective:
- Every devotee in the Yatra to get the opportunity to serve the deities as pujari at least shortly and under the supervision of an expert pujari. This will make the devotees aware of the advantages of the brahminical qualities
when it comes to service in the altar (cleanliness, punctuality…). The brahminical behavior and qualities are necessary for one to be a pujari in ISKCON.
- Every devotee in the Yatra to get the opportunity to distribute the books of Srila Prabhupada at least shortly and under the supervision of an expert SKT devotee. This will make the devotees experience the six brahminical activities being performed at once through the book distribution. Performing yajna (sankirtana yajna, yuga dharma), engaging others in yajna, studding shastra and teaching it, accepting donation and giving charity. This is the most auspicious and purifying activity, testing the main quality for the brahmana–vaishnava, namely surrender to Krishna and inspiring humbleness, tolerance, determination, faith etc. The books contain the fundamental knowledge on which the brahminical culture is based. These books are the basis of the brahminical culture.
- Every devotee in the Yatra to get the opportunity to serve in Krishna’s kitchen. Again the brahminical qualities are most suitable to perform this service.
- Every devotee in the Yatra to get the opportunity to visit and stay in Mayapur Dham. This will give the devotees opportunity to practically experience the brahminical culture in action, in very natural environment and the deity worship in its highest standard.
- Every devotee in the Yatra to get the opportunity to complete the Bhakti-shastri course, Temple worship course etc. This will teach and train the devotees about the brahminical culture.
- Every devotee to visit Goshala, serving the cows there and getting their blessings. We recommend donating and assisting goshalas anyhow by everybody.
Om tat sat
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