Tirtha in Prison New and Improved... Krsna!

For some of us, part of our initial attraction to Krsna consciousness came in understanding how it was part of an ancient, timeless culture. Indeed, many of its supporting scriptures are dated as hundreds, thousands, even millions of years old. The Vedas themselves being eternal, even beyond the scope or calculation of material time.

Being a part of such an ancient process is comforting, since it certainly is time tested and proven. Its efficacy born out across many ages by untold numbers of devotees who have successfully followed the process since time immemorial.

Some may say that part of the strength of Krsna consciousness lies in its ancient roots. Certainly there is strength there. Still, what gives the process its real potency is Krsna Himself, not the fact that it harkens to antiquity.

Krsna is not old or static. He eternally remains ever fresh When He chooses to manifest Himself to our vision, He appears as a glowing youth, never more than 15 or 16 years old, at least by human standards. It follows, if Krsna Himself remains ever fresh, He is as new and vibrant today as He was in times of antiquity.

So while in some measure it may be reassuring to belong to an ancient, timeless culture while practicing an eternal process of self realization, it remains for us to search out Krsna today, within our own lives, by preparing ourselves to enter His pure service.

When we seriously apply ourselves toward understanding which characteristics within us may block or otherwise prohibit us from truly realizing Krsna's actual presence, we may glimpse how truly dynamic and ever fresh He indeed is.

Just as Krsna Himself is neither static or dated, the process He reveals for our ultimate attainment of His pure service is likewise, ever fresh and dynamic. It is a growing process of becoming aware of the ever fresh, unlimited, inconceivable Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Our understanding of how to best approach the propagation of Krsna consciousness must come from the perspective of spiritual realization. Those sadhus who are pure in heart will be given the proper understanding of how to best proceed. It is much more than a simple matter of belief. Adapting to various phases of culture and adopting the requisite practices for implementing the spread of Krsna consciousness is akin to changing one's external dress. So long as the essential person remains throughout, the adaptation of externals matters not. It is only done as a means to facilitate the means of achieving the greatest good.

While I may prefer to engage in the traditional or "Classic" style bhajanas and kirtanas, it remains that other styles of music, even types of "Rock" have a place in the mission to spread Krsna consciousness, so long as the proper perspective is maintained, i.e. "Straight Edge" music. There is proof that some number of devotees were initially attracted to Krsna consciousness just because of this phenomena. The music provided the link, becoming the facilitator, into Krsna consciousness.

Because of the lasting stigma of certain failed "New Age" attempts that ultimately became undiciplined bending/blending experiments to present Krsna consciousness in ways that compromised the integrity of the actual process, we may be somewhat soured on the entire concept. I must admit, for a time, after witnessing some seeming disasters, I felt the old way was the only way. Regardless of our personal feelings or beliefs, we must allow for practical innovation coming from realized souls who have a pure desire to intelligently diversify the practical means for propagating the holy name. We should not stand in the way of careful trials, remaining similarly vigilant to any tendency to liberalize too freely. Care and caution must be duly exercised. In the end, such methods of diversification will be judged on the merits of their success or failure.

It may also be seen that a particular program of diversification will be short lived. Such was the case for wearing wigs while on samkirtana book distribution. It was merely a tool in the greater tool box that the devotees utilized to assist in the spread of Krsna consciousness. The idea is to remain attached to the service but not necessarily each facilitating nuance of such service. If we remain flexible and in tune with the realized sadhus, we can be innovative as the need arises.

We are given hints of the general characteristics of our roles in perfect purity through the many scriptures left us by the previous acaryas. Still, it remains for each devotee to undergo the intense introspection necessary for understanding and remedying our own specific discrepancies. Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur's Harinama Cintamani, where Haridasa Thakura elaborates on the process of perfecting our chanting of the holy names, may serve as an important road map in our continuing quest to become perfect servants of the Supreme Lord.

By showing us the characteristics of both offenses and perfection, we are given valuable insight into how to best proceed. Our prayers and humble petitions to the Lord and the devotees may vary. Still, the sincerity of each heart is the measure for our advancement.

In a similar way, as the world around us unfolds each day, by keeping Krsna in the center of our activities we will remain focused on the ultimate goal. The various intricacies of culture and circumstance will likely vary considerably from place to place. If our goal is to serve the mission of Lord Caitanya, we will be given the guidance to adjust our sincere presentation of Krsna consciousness with proper regard to time, place and circumstance. It undoubtedly will require great concentration and perseverance. If we are sincere Krsna will assist us through the agency of the spiritual master, giving us the proper aptitude and intelligence.

We must ever remember that we are merely the servants of our spiritual master. As we reflect on his activities we can understand our need to remain adaptive.

Even within recent history, our preceptors proved to be great and powerful innovators. Bhaktivinode Thakura, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati and Srila Prabhupada. All were pioneering geniuses, expert at assimilating and assuaging the perplexities of diverse cultures for the harmonious introduction of Krsna consciousness.

By the mercy of guru and Krsna our sincere preaching efforts v/ill be given the proper direction. Our preaching realizations will mold our activities as we push forward in our service to Lord Caitanya's mission. With care and due consideration we will adapt as needed to the ebb and flow of our circumstances. If we are sincere, Krsna will provide the guidance and means for our success in His service.

Your worthless servant,
Tirtha dasa