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After reading His Holiness Umapati Swami's posting on the gravity of the "Clicker Debate," perhaps my own comments need to be revised yet again for clarity. In my original version, I called the debate silly and foolish. (Please note: I edited those charged words out of the second version.) Maharaja seems to think that I meant the subject is trivial and not worthy of discussion. I know Maharaja is a very careful, sophisticated reader, so I feel I must further clarify my remarks.

I do not believe the subject is trivial. In fact, I believe that the subject of how far we can bend or stretch the instructions of our acharyas without losing the essence of Krishna consciousness is so important that it should be discussed very carefully. That was precisely the point of my posts. In both versions, I said explicitly that my article's only concern was "how discussions of so-called spiritual topics are conducted by Vaishnavas, especially in public." I have admitted that I regret the choice of words in the first version's opening because they drew attention away from my real point: that the nature of the discussion was degenerating. What prompted me to write was an article in which no assertion was supported (or supportable) by guru, sadhu, and shastra. This is, at best, careless argument. Since I last wrote, we've read an article by someone who loves her clicker because she can "chant japa" while driving, crocheting, and playing computer games. Yes, we must always chant, everywhere and in all circumstances, but the chanting of the rounds to which we are committed (for initiated disciples that's at least 16 rounds) should be as focused and meditative as possible. As Malati pointed out, inattention in chanting is considered an offense; as Umapati Maharaja pointed out, our duty is to chant at least 16 good rounds.

Even this, however, reflects a neophyte's approach to chanting japa. We should chant with a progressively surrendered attitude. If we're not actually chanting to increase our surrender to Krishna, we need to carefully consider what our real goals are and what our motivations for engaging in service are. Otherwise, our mechanical practice may not yield life's ultimate goal, except perhaps eventually, as Srila Prabhupada said on a morning walk in Honolulu (Feb. 3, 1975), it will take a long time, like trying to kindle a fire with wet wood. A casual approach to Krishna conscious practice evidences how far down Krishna-prema is on our list of priorities. We should at least be aware of and honest about this.

As for the clicker, I'm open to a real discussion. I have at times used a clicker in certain situations and found it less satisfying than using beads. We do need to keep in mind, though, that Lord Chaitanya Himself counted on His fingers, as far as we can tell. And I have to say that I have seen a number of ISKCON's leaders, GBC members and gurus of many disciples, chanting japa on clickers. I now live in Hilo, Hawaii, which is a very rainy place. I have always liked going for brisk japa walks, but walking fast with a sopping wet bead bag seems as though it would be distracting. I am considering buying another clicker for walks on rainy mornings. It hasn't been an easy decision for me, though. I'll be happy to read any thoughtful suggestions our readers can make.

Srila Prabhupada told us that gentle people think twice before saying anything. Writing naturally affords the chance for us to do so. That was the real point of my article.

Yours in service,
Babhru das

© CHAKRA 3 February 2002