{"aeobob_version":"2.6.18","schema_version":"1.1","canonical_url":"https:\/\/paulrodneyturner.com\/2013\/08\/keeping-it-real-while-still-seeking.html","updated_at":"2026-08-18T01:34:44Z","content_hash":"11a9320d4abacc933dfb22e5fcf76b1553cbc199fee96139616da507d6e10898","task":{"goal":"Optimize this page for LLM AEO discovery and helpfulness."},"page":{"url":"https:\/\/paulrodneyturner.com\/2013\/08\/keeping-it-real-while-still-seeking.html","title":"Original Title: Keeping it real - while still seeking spiritual emancipation.","raw_markdown":"I gave Srimad Bhagavatam class today in the Hare Krishna temple in Riga, Latvia , on this verse (http:\/\/vedabase.net\/sb\/3\/20\/6\/<\/a> ). Initially, I felt unqualified and somewhat perplexed. I mean, I am not a Vedic scholar, nor a self-realised soul in any sense, and yet this verse was talking about how much a true devotee of the Lord relishes even the most simple truths. However, after praying to my spiritual teachers and God for clarity, it dawned on me that what Srila Prabhupada was saying in his commentary to this verse was that a TRUE (\"actual\") self-realised soul does not need to jump to the most intimate pastimes of Krishna (rasa lila), but can relish the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita<\/i> thousands and thousands of times and never feel satiated. Why is this? Because what is contained in the Bhagavad-gita<\/i> is the beginning and the end of all knowledge. It is a completely perfect treatise on spirituality, and therefore, a realised soul can always find newer and newer aspects from reading it.\r\n\r\nISKCON members frequently encounter claims from followers of other swamis that Prabhupada did not teach the highest truths.. But from my personal experience and from a careful study of his comments on this verse, I can unequivocally say that that idea is bullshit. Prabhupada did indeed give the world the sum and substance of spiritual truth, but like foolish children, we desire to jump ahead to the 'Quantum physics' of spirituality, before even understanding the most basic laws of addition.\r\n\r\nFrom what I have seen in my 30 years as a member of ISKCON, there is way too much emphasis on philosophising and studying the more intimate aspects of the Lord's pastimes, when in fact all we really need to do is become conscious of Krishna in this world. Simple statements by Krishna like: \"I am the taste of water\"; or \"I am the fragrance of the Earth\" are profound and it is these simple things that will actually help us to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. And according to the great scholar, Rupa Goswami,<\/a> that simple truth is the essence of ALL instructions.\r\n
<\/a><\/div>\r\nObserving many, including myself, struggle on the bhakti yoga path, I've concluded that ISKCON often overlooks this simple truth. Srila Prabhupada clearly told us: \"First become conscious, then become Krishna conscious.\" In other words, we need to become aware of Krishna's presence in this realm; to see the magic of Krishna here, on earth, during our day-to-day affairs. Then gradually, gradually, through increased awareness, mental purification and maturity, the Lord will reveal more and more to us. There is no need to race ahead or pretend to be something we are not.\r\n\r\nI urge all followers of Gaudiya Vaisnavism and spiritual leaders across traditions to embrace honesty and avoid pretending to be pure devotees if they are not. Before expecting someone to bow down to you, learn to bow down to a plant and ask permission of that plant if you can take it's life to sustain your body. Before you expect worship, go wash the feet of a homeless person; before showing off you ability to quote the scripture and your grasp of knowledge, know that superior knowledge can be demonstrated in small acts of kindness; before you take disciples or any kind of dependent, allow a dog to lick your hand and appreciate the love it has in it's heart, and before you become a so-called Rasa-jna<\/i>, learn to relish the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita<\/i>. All these things are manifestations of Krishna. He is everywhere and everything.\r\n\r\nTo be perfectly clear here, I am not in any way pure, but I have a right to my own opinion. And my opinion is based on my personal experience, and I felt that Prabhupada's purport (please read it) was confirming my opinion. I am sorry if my statements seem generalizations about members of ISKCON or other faiths, but please understand that whether or not we are a student of a\u00a0<\/b>swami in ISKCON, ultimately, all swamis and priests are representative of their particular spiritual tradition, and what they do does impact every member of their society<\/b>. All I am saying is we need to be straightforward and down to earth and not so high in the clouds. Krishna (God) is present even in the cockroach and the apple.\r\n\r\nEmbracing Krishna consciousness involves recognizing that forming loving relationships with others may be crucial for your spiritual evolution. Sadly, though, ISKCON still has a leadership culture that demonises this basic human need, where women are viewed as \"obstacles\" on the path of self-realisation. So it is my humble opinion that the status of Sannyasa<\/a> should only be awarded to those who have fully experienced a relationship (and all its challenges) with a woman, and who are also sufficiently mature in age.\r\n\r\nOf course, there are many pure souls in and outside of ISKCON, but my point is that ISKCON and many spiritual institutions as a whole have missed the simple truth of honouring the Lord in this world. Every swami, guru, or priest is certainly honourable, but they may not be a pure devotee of the Lord. However, all of them <\/b>are influencing the culture of their institutions, and sometimes their behaviour and attitude are cruel and\/or embarrassing. I mean, there are endless examples in ISKCON of devotees feeling disrespected or marginalized just because they were not a Prabhupada disciple, or Sannyasi, or male, etc. What to speak of those that are not book distributors or scholars, and this is wrong on so many levels. Each and every one of us, from the bug to the tree, to the single mother, pot washer, street sweeper, postman, or Nazi racist, is part and parcel of Krishna (God).\r\n\r\nIt's essential to cultivate an appreciation for the Lord's presence in every living being and daily experience. Srila Prabhupada made it very clear in his purport that \"Those who are actually on the transcendental platform are never satiated..<\/b>.\" and he then specifically mentions Bhagavad-gita<\/i>. Why? Obviously, to stress the point that what Krishna teaches in the Gita is the most profound and deepest knowledge there is. I therefore took the liberty to expand on this concept that all of us need to keep it real and not try to jump ahead of our actual status.\r\n\r\nYour life is your life, and how you choose to live it, enjoy it, and experience it is your decision to make<\/b>. We can take help and guidance from friends and our religious institutions for clarity, but ultimately, the decision is yours. We may even be offered the order of sannyasa, the highest status in Hinduism, but ultimately it is we who choose to accept that status or not. I was also offered sannyasa in 1996 by my spiritual teacher<\/b>, but I chose not to accept, knowing that my heart was not pure enough. I am so glad I had the guts and the humility to stay honest.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
This is me as a monk. A year after this photo was taken I was offered sannyasa. I did not accept it.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nGod bless you all. ,__,__o__\r\n

FAQ<\/h2>\r\n

Q: What is the primary message of the Bhagavad Gita?<\/h3>\r\nA: The Bhagavad Gita primarily teaches the importance of fulfilling one's duty with devotion, understanding the self, and realizing the presence of the divine in all aspects of life.\r\n

Q: How does the Bhagavad Gita relate to everyday life?<\/h3>\r\nA: The Bhagavad Gita offers guidance on living a life of purpose and consciousness, emphasizing the importance of seeing the divine in everyday experiences and relationships.\r\n

Q: Why is the Bhagavad Gita considered a complete treatise on spirituality?<\/h3>\r\nA: The Bhagavad Gita is seen as a complete spiritual guide because it addresses fundamental questions about life, duty, and the nature of the self, offering profound insights into achieving spiritual fulfillment.\r\n

Q: What role does consciousness play in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita?<\/h3>\r\nA: Consciousness is central to the Bhagavad Gita's teachings, as it emphasizes becoming aware of the divine presence in all things and cultivating a deep, personal connection with"},"targets":{"primary_keyword":"","secondary_keywords":[],"audience":"General","intent":"informational"},"voice":{"tone_rules":["Professional","Informative"],"reading_level":"G8-10","style_notes":"Clear and direct writing style"},"constraints":{"length_words":"~900-1200","brand_safety":["no overclaiming"]},"aeo":{"answer_blocks":true,"faq_pairs":4,"schema":{"types":["Article","FAQPage"]}},"links":{"internal_candidates":[],"external_required":1},"required_outputs":["title","meta","outline","body_patch","faq","schema_ld","summary"],"generated_at":"2026-08-17T20:34:29-05:00","version":"1.0"}