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The Beads/Clicker "Debate" Degenerates Further
by Babhru das

A silly, so-called debate has devolved to foolishness. Apparently in an attempt to seal the argument and have the last word, Ekesuara das has asserted that anyone who reads Sri Chaitanya-charitamrita "can see that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu chant [sic] rounds on Tulasi beads." This devotee makes an assertion that he fails to support with any scriptural evidence. In fact, in the purport to Sri Chaitanya-charitamrita 7.37, Srila Prabhupada tells us that "Chaitanya Mahaprabhu used to count on His fingers. While one hand was engaged in chanting, the other hand kept the number of rounds."

Ekesuara prabhu also claims that "the term ‘japa mala’ refers to chanting on the beads." In fact, "japa mala" is a string of beads on which one may chant japa. Japa does not mean chanting on beads but chanting softly. In his purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.14.32, Srila Prabhupada explins that "When a Vedic mantra is chanted within the mouth so that only the chanter can hear, the chanting is called japa." In Sri Chaitanya-charitamrita Madhya 22.123, japa is given as "chanting softly." And in Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 9, Srila Prabhupada writes, "Chanting a mantra or hymn softly and slowly is called japa, and chanting the same mantra loudly is called kirtana."

How devotees keep track of their japa is not the concern of this letter. It addresses only how discussions of so-called spiritual topics are conducted by Vaishnavas, especially in public. As Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to Bhagavad-gita 17.15, discussing austerity of speech, "One should not speak in such a way as to agitate the minds of others. . . . This is penance as far as talking is concerned. Besides that, one should not talk nonsense. The process of speaking in spiritual circles is to say something upheld by the scriptures. One should at once quote from scriptural authority to back up what he is saying. At the same time, such talk should be very pleasurable to the ear. By such discussions, one may derive the highest benefit and elevate human society. There is a limitless stock of Vedic literature, and one should study this. This is called penance of speech."

If an argument is conducted with the goal of discovering the truth, those who participate should be careful of their assertions. If the goal is simply to see one’s name on the Web, score points, and enjoy the illusion of victory, then they may say any silly thing they want. I suggest that readers who participate in public discussions take advantage of the opportunity of checking before they click on the Send button. I also humbly request that CHAKRA editors more vigorously enforce their simple editorial policy of not publishing material which deviates from Vaishava siddhanta as taught by Srila Prabhupada and which is "speculative or inaccurate." Then the site may benefit readers and uplift human society. Otherwise, CHAKRA risks becoming little more than a forum for gossip and other nonsense.

Yours in service,
Babhru das

© CHAKRA 22 January 2002