Hare Krishna dear devotees, dandwat pranam
I am Swati singh, 38, female, connected from iskcon since 2 years and following all the regulative principles, I want to take advice of you all, whoever can guide me that what should I do if I am prescribed non veg medicine for my knee issue, there is laxity in my ligament and softening of cartilage which can only be recover from collagen, and it is not found in plants, i search for the alternatives but failed, My dr. Has suggested me to take the medicine as softening of cartilage in my age is not good and will continuously increase. I run a Bhaktivriksha at my home too and have multiple sewas therefore my schedule is sometimes hectic. I have thought to avoid it but my pain is getting increased day by day and my doctor is saying that at my age it is not normal to have this much softening in cartilage. Pls all of you vaishnavas guide me, what should I do?
Replies
Hare Krishna Dear Mata ji,
PAMHO
If I am having a problem and I go to a doctor and doctor gives me this.. I will consider it as given by Narayana HISMELF.
Vaidhyo narayano Harih!
A doctor is just as vessel or a mediator through which medicine is sent to you by Narayana Himself.
Without questioning and going into details of the medicine...we must take it to improve your health for doing more seva to Krishna .
If you feel doubts you place it at the feet of Krishna and offer it and ask Lord to forgive you for this sin.
And ask Lord to sanctify it and purify it to be taken.
When you offer to Krishna first and take it as a Prasaadam. It is no longer an offense.
It doesn't mean we offer everything.
Only medicine... can be taken as Narayana is Swayam giving you.
In olden days also the doctors used to make medicines from plants and animal sources.
Medicine is to be taken as a Medicine.
I remember a story -
Once there was a Pure a Brahmin who had to cross a desert and was very thirsty there was no sign of water anywhere. His throat parched and he was unable to even walk anymore.
There came a trader on a horse and he had some water in his leather pouch. The pouch was made of up of leather of a sheep.
He gave water to the Brahmin and asked him to drink.
Brahmin saw that it is offensive and against his rule book to drink out of the hands of a low class person and also.. from a leather pouch.
But his was very much in a dying condition.
So he accepted the offer and just took 2 sips.
The trader immediately gave him some goats meat biryani and asked him.. now
The brahmin said no thanks and left.
Why do you think he did so..
to just gain strength enough to stand up on his feet the Brahmin took 2 sips ( not more then that) and after that he didn't even take the rest of the food offered by this person.
So consider it as Narayana sent and take Lord's permission and take it as medication only to regain strength so that you work more efficiently in preaching and spreading KC.
Hare Krishna
Hare Kṛṣṇa. You may proceed with taking these medications, as it appears the condition had become rather serious. There is no transgression in consuming non-vegetarian medicines under such circumstances. However, it is advisable to offer a heartfelt apology to Lord Kṛṣṇa for this necessity. These medicines are being taken solely to restore health of this body, enabling you to continue your devotional practice. Therefore, no spiritual fault (doṣa) is incurred. Hari Hari."
Hare Kṛṣṇa. Now, for the FOOL who suggested offering meat to Durga Devi—WHAT KIND OF DEMONIC NONSENSE IS THIS?!
Since when do Vaishnavas promote this thing as a solution?! Have you lost your mind?! Durga Devi Jagadamba is the mother of the universe and Krishna is not a heartless rule-enforcer; He is your most merciful Father. if taking this medicine is the only way to maintain your health and continue your devotional service, then Shri Krishna will understand. There is no need to do these all drama. Apologise to Kṛṣṇa for taking medicine. Pray for those creatures. Pray for your health to Krishna. Hari Hari.
Thank u for replying Prabhu ji, Hare Krishna