Hare Krishna,
My humble obeisances to all the devotees
I am new to Krishna consciousness.I came into KC 5 months ago by reading Srila Prabhupada’s books.I am a married woman with a 2 year old kid.My problem is that my husband and in laws oppose my practicing KC.I do my rounds of chanting when my husband goes to office and I am also not able to offer bhoga to krishna everyday because of my husband.My husband also doesn’t allow me to give bath to laddu gopal.He allowed me to do it on Janmashtami only.It is because my in laws worship lord Shiva and mata rani.They get angry when I do any service to Lord Krishna.We go to India every year and I am afraid that there I will not get any chance to do my rounds of chanting because there is always somebody around.Also my mother-in-law is very strict and gets angry very easily. She wouldn’t allow me to cook separate meal without onion and garlic.I don’t want any issues or arguments in the family because of me but also I don’t want to discontinue my KC.Please give me some advice on how I can do my rounds in India?
Replies
Hare Krsna Mataji,
PAMHO.
I understand your situation and completely empathise with you.
I understand that there should be no disharmony in the family because you are trying to follow Krsna Consciousness.
Is it possible for you to cook some items without onion garlic? If yes, the moment you cook, or even before cooking, pray to Radharani that this is being cooked for Krsna. Then mentally offer immediately on cooking. Like this, if even one item is being cooked for Krsna daily, He will see your sincerity and remove the obstacles from your path. If it is not possible, then you offer fruits and milk. I am sure that is possible. Tell your child stories of Bal Gopal. No family objects to that.
Regarding chanting, you can chant on beads, on fingers, on counter, in mind. Ideally on beads, but if you think that may not be possible during your trip to India, chant on counter or fingers. Everyday you chant, you pray to Srila Prabhupada and Panch Tattva to allow you to chant. Once you finish your rounds, thank them for making you chant and pray that you get the same chance the next day. If suppose you are not able to complete your allotted number of rounds, pls note down somewhere and chant extra when you return home. Do what you can, dont get into arguments with anyone.
Keep praying to Krsna & Radharani that while you want to chant and offer services to Him, you dont want to disrupt your family life. So please He has to make your path clear and you will keep walking on that path, towards Him.
Dont be bogged down by obstacles mataji. My experience is that these obstacles come in our path to make our resolve strong. Once we have learnt the lesson that these obstacles are trying to put in our path, they ease out.
Continue to struggle mataji. YOur struggle to please Their Lordships is pleasing to Them.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
then chant within yourself......that is......chant within your mind only,
no need to show rounding of beads......if u do, then perhaps your relatives tease you
so the best way is to chant within yourself.......also
god doesn't need your bhoga or prasad , he needs bhava only !!!!
he has hunger of Bhava only, even your one tear is sufficient if your bhava is true..
the meals you offer ok , great but again he needs only bhava !!
Also, without drinking the Amrata of Srimad Bhagwat Katha, one can't understand easily the meaning of chanting.....
so drink this Amrata if u get the chance anytime in your journey of life.....
The first duty of a woman is towards her husband. If your husband and in laws does not like then you must not argue with them. Srila prabhupad has himself directed his sister on the same issue that she should serve his husband and pray to krishna for her help. Devi ji do not feel sad if you are not able to offer bhoga to krishna.. the moment you cook food offer the same to lord krishna.. all that matter is your bhakti bhav towards krishna. If you are not able to chant the rounds then you can do kirtan. Offer your prayers to the lord through your heart krishna will definitely help you and show you the way...
Hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare
Hare ram hare ram ram ram hare hare...