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Living as a Brahmacarya outside of The Ashrama

Posted by Gauranga Dasa on November 3, 2012 at 6:11am in Bramacharya

Hare Krishna and All Glories to A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada!

Greetings! Today, I wanted to ask how a someone at the brahmacarya stage of life should live even if they do not reside in a Temple Ashram or something like that. I am currently a college student who recently became Krishna-conscious in May, 2012. I have been living according to the four regaulative principles/chanting the minimum 16 rounds a day but I find that trying to "keep my head above water" can be difficult without any formal training and without someone to tell me how to avoid devotional pitfalls. 

If anyone could recommend a book, an online article or even advice from their own personal experience, that would be appreciated very much. Haribol and Blessings!

-Bhakta Sekou

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Replies

  • Volunteer
    Mohini Madhavi November 3, 2012 at 10:13am

    yes, yes, there is no issue of it if a person is very serious, why not?

    Radhanath Swami says that even being far from Devotees one has yearning desire to be with them means he is in the association of Devotees. On the other hand if one stays among the Devotees and uses his mind for outside things then he is not with Devotees but far far away from them.

    Here the main thing we wanted to say is that FOR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS IT IS FORMOST NEEDED THING - ASSOCIATION OF SINCERE DEVOTEES.

    Your servant, 

  • Gauranga Dasa November 3, 2012 at 9:12am

    Thank you Prabhu for your insight...for some reason I thought that perhaps living in the Temple was necessary for "true" spiritual growth. Regardless, I will be sure to take your advice and my own [hahaha] as well. Haribol and AGTSP!

    Many Blessings:

    Bhakta S. 

    • Volunteer
      Mohini Madhavi > Gauranga Dasa November 3, 2012 at 9:48am

      when i had a chance to stay at the Temple while i was studying i stayed there. In the morning and evening had opportunity to serve at the Temple, and day time used to go for my classes.

      And life was blissful :D

      And i learned so many things associating with sincere Devotees there. Also learned how to take care of Deities, cooking....

      In this way brahmacharya training even if it is formal it is indeed needed. 

      And taste for the Holy Names also comes only in the association of Devotees. Otherwise even if we read lots of books, strictly follow 4 regulative principles we will hardly chant our rounds and be happy. 

      Krishna is in the heart of Devotees, and serving to them being close to them we will get Him to our heart.

      Your servant, 

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