Hi all .AGTSP.
I have only been studying for a few months but I think that I want to jump in with both feet now .
I only chant about 5 rounds a day right now, and I'm following pretty well th 4 regs..but I'm still strugling with smoking ..a bit.
I feel that this is only because of the limited serviced amount of exposure that I am able to have bcause I'm not close to the temple or the devotees .
Anyway I would like some words of advice if you hav any to give.
I have been just kind'a floating around , no husband or children to tie me down , no real life.
Should I go for the full time thing ?
Replies
Hare Krishna
I was in a similar position a few months ago and took the plunge and did a brief course at my local temple.
I found staying in an temple very helpful with regulation in terms of attending morning program and chanting.
However at the age of 31, I struggled with communal living, lack of personal space, lack of access to facilities like having a kitchen to cook for myself (despite temple providing meals) and the overall length of the day very long at my temple (I suffer from a medical condition of which fatigue can be a problem) . Despite taking rest regularly I just felt I could not recharge my batteries and was forever running on empty.
Do not get me wrong, it was a fantastic experience but a very demanding one, even if doing nothing all day / everyday, the fact you are merely awake is a requirement on your body. Despite avoiding doing everything in one go i.e. trying to be super bhakta, I came to the conclusion that for my personal nature its easier for me to practice while living outside.
I found after several weeks my attention during morning class and especially during Japa was non existant.
I think if it is something you want to try then you should to know where you stand, nothing is a waste in spiritual life, however I would approach it wisely by advising your authorities of your goals and constantly communicating with them every step of the way whilst you are there. Or alternatively instead of jumping in altogether why not try and stay at your local temple when you have free time? i.e. weekends
Hope that helps
yes, dear Mataji, better not to do many things at the first time. But who knows? It says that one who has opportunity to chant the Holy Names in this life time it means he/she has performed all other austerities, gave all other types of charities...
In this way You are very fortunate Chandravali Mataji.
And yes, it is better if You attend more and more programs near by Your place.
Further, if You will desire to stay at the ashram then it is also possible. Since many of our matajis stay at the brahmacharini ashrams in western countries especially New Vrinadavan in US, in Hungary, in Kazakhstan, Russia...
Your servant,
Hari bol !
Yes, the Shiksha Program is the way to go ! You are a part of ISKCON's purpose and you are a developing devotee. Check your local Temple.
It is an opportunity to grow in KC, even though you may be in a marginal position in your life.
Do not over-commit, do not burn-out, just find your place in the Congregational Membership of ISKCON and go from there.