Integrating Modern Tech into Varnashram Society

Summary

The speaker discusses the integration of modern technology into the Varnashram system of society, a concept championed by Srila Prabhupada. Despite the challenges, the speaker emphasizes that technologies like airplanes, cameras, and microphones could assist in spreading Krishna consciousness. However, the core issue is how to maintain the simplicity of Varnashram life while utilizing modern tools. The speaker critiques ISKCON's leadership for sidelining the implementation of this ideal and calls for a practical, experimental approach to begin demonstrating a spiritually-based, self-sustained lifestyle, even amidst the difficulties and mistakes that may arise.

Takeaways

• 😀 Srila Prabhupada envisioned a Varnashrama society based on simplicity, sustainability, and devotion to Krishna, where people live harmoniously with nature and follow prescribed duties.
• 😀 The use of modern technologies like airplanes, microphones, and cameras can aid in spreading Krishna consciousness, but they must be balanced against the materialistic nature of modern civilization.
• 😀 ISKCON has largely neglected the concept of Varnashrama despite Srila Prabhupada's emphasis on its importance for spiritual and social restructuring.
• 😀 There has been resistance within ISKCON leadership to integrate Varnashrama into the society, with strategic plans failing to address this vital aspect.
• 😀 Srila Prabhupada’s teachings are clear that without reviving real Brahmanical guidance and training, the Varnashrama model cannot be effectively implemented.
• 😀 Modern society, with its consumerism and commercialization, makes it difficult for individuals to live a pure, spiritually focused life.
• 😀 The speaker advocates for starting small, with projects like farm communities, to model simple living and high thinking as a spiritual alternative to modern life.
• 😀 Many people in the West, disillusioned by city life and consumerism, are already seeking alternatives like simple, rural living, which aligns with the Varnashrama vision.
• 😀 Despite challenges and resistance, the speaker stresses that with collective effort and determination, the revival of Varnashrama can still begin.
• 😀 Srila Prabhupada’s teachings warn against being caught up in the industrial and consumer-driven system, urging devotees to create an alternative, spiritually driven way of life.
• 😀 The call to action is to stop waiting for leadership and instead start creating tangible solutions, such as farm communities, to demonstrate the practical benefits of a Krishna-conscious lifestyle.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised by the speaker regarding modern technology in relation to the Varnashram model?

The speaker questions how modern technology, such as airplanes, microphones, and cameras, can be integrated into the Varnashram model of society, which emphasizes simplicity, natural living, and spiritual values. The concern is about maintaining the essence of Varnashram while using these technologies to spread spiritual teachings.

Why does the speaker believe that the Varnashram model has not been implemented in ISKCON?

The speaker feels that ISKCON leadership has largely ignored the Varnashram model despite Shila Prabhupada’s teachings on it. They point out that a strategic planning committee within ISKCON never mentioned Varnashram, and many of the leadership seem disinterested in pursuing it.

How does the speaker view modern civilization and its influence on spiritual life?

The speaker critiques modern civilization as being materialistic, driven by consumerism and greed, which detracts from spiritual values. They highlight how society’s focus on achieving wealth and comfort results in a lack of deeper understanding and pursuit of higher principles of life.

What is the connection between ISKCON's book distribution and the Varnashram model?

The speaker believes that while ISKCON's book distribution is important, it should not be the sole focus. They argue that in addition to spreading knowledge through books, ISKCON should also demonstrate an alternative way of life based on simple living, natural living, and spiritual practices, as envisioned in the Varnashram model.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to modern society's 'rat race'?

The speaker suggests that people who are disillusioned with the 'rat race' should consider joining communities based on the principles of Varnashram, where simple living, farming, and spiritual values are prioritized. This way of life offers an antidote to the competitive, materialistic society that many are rejecting.

Why does the speaker emphasize the creation of a class of genuine Brahmanas?

The speaker stresses the importance of a spiritually committed leadership class that is grounded in Vedic teachings. They argue that ISKCON has not effectively created such Brahmanas, and the lack of true spiritual leadership is a significant barrier to implementing the Varnashram model.

What is the speaker’s view on modern jobs and their effect on spiritual purity?

The speaker suggests that working in modern jobs, particularly in business or corporate settings, prevents individuals from maintaining spiritual purity. These environments prioritize material success over spiritual integrity, which contradicts the principles of Varnashram and the Brahmana way of life.

How does the speaker see modern technology's role in spreading spiritual teachings?

While expressing caution about modern technology, the speaker acknowledges its potential to help spread spiritual knowledge. Technologies like airplanes and cameras could aid in traveling for lectures, helping to spread the teachings of Harikatha and Krishna consciousness globally.

What is the speaker’s stance on the veganism movement in relation to cow protection?

The speaker acknowledges the veganism movement's concern for animal cruelty but believes that raising and protecting cows for their natural life and milk, as done in traditional Varnashram society, could serve as a counterpoint to the vegan argument. The idea is to show a compassionate, ethical way to care for cows without exploiting them.

Why does the speaker believe that establishing the Varnashram system will be challenging?

The speaker recognizes that implementing the Varnashram system is a revolutionary and difficult task. They acknowledge that it may seem impossible due to the deeply entrenched modern societal structure but emphasize that with sincere effort, divine blessings, and a commitment to Shila Prabhupada’s teachings, it is achievable, even if mistakes are made along the way.