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Dear Chakra,

I am in full agreement with the position of Sri Rahul Siotia regarding the needlessly graphic descriptions in Sri Nandanandana dasa's news article dated 10th October 2002.

I understand the writer's rationale for attempting to bring us face to face with the stark ugliness of this material world. I have no ill feelings towards Sri Nandanandana dasa or his work, for which I have the highest respect.

Nevertheless, I think it is important that a certain culture be observed on forums such as these, which are dedicated to Vaishnavas and Vedic culture. Although many of us raised outside of Vedic culture tend to speak or write in very brazen or passionate ways, it is perhaps not appropriate for an organization like ISKCON that purports to be a society of brahmanas.

To guide us in this regard, Srimad Bhagavad-gita says:

Austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature. (17.15)

Of course, in Vedic literature, we sometimes see examples of graphic violence, such as in the disfigurement of Surpanakha by Lakshmana in the Ramayana. But it would be incorrect to use such examples of the Lord's behavior as a justification for the graphic depiction of heinous crimes committed by villains of Kali Yuga. The activities of Lord Krishna and His expansions are always transcendental (janma karma cha me divyam — Gita 4.9), while no such claim can be made about the demons of Kali Yuga.

I therefore urge Chakra to try and maintain a more Vedic, or in other words, brahminical standard in their publishing, remembering that Krishna-katha is really the necessity of this age. To satisfy the "newspaper" style of reporting that Chakra embraces, devotees who must report about inauspicious activities should do so with some discrimination in mind. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if Chakra reporting is as disturbing or even more disturbing than that of karmi newspapers, then it is most certainly going too far.

Please forgive me if I have come across as pretentious; this most certainly is not my intention. We must remember that there are many people who practice Vedic culture although they are not yet Vaishnavas, and they will most certainly be watching us. It is my fondest wish that ISKCON and its devotees truly embrace Vedic culture in all its aspects, and in this way set the proper example for all people to follow.

Warm regards,
S. HariKrishna

© CHAKRA 19 October 2002