Pariprashnena — Q&A Archive

SB 10.84.13

(From Bhaktivinode Thakura, Krsna Samhita Chp 2)

When the external potency of the superior energy interacts with sandhini, it spreads conceptions of nationalism. This mentality is found only in this world.

[quote][cite] onkar:[/cite]Haribol
Is patriotism foolishness?[/quote]

Sometimes it is good when people think beyond their own selfish well being. In Vedic times people would gladly pay taxes to their king because they were getting something valuable back - that is the essence of patriotism. Understanding that my own well being is tied to the well being of the country in which I live. Just like varnashrama - it is a material element which is useful for life in the material world.

>SB 10.84.13

Then what about the defence force of a country like india ?
Devotees in india are able to practise their KC because some soldiers are there on the battlefield.
Otherwise if terrorists and neighbouring countries of india attack and conquere India then,
I do not think they will allow practicing Krishna Consciousness (KC) in india...

I am certainly not convinced that soldiers of country like india are nothing more than "ASSES" or "COWS".
Even if they might not be knowing anything about god consciousness, but I think they are serving Krishna indirectly.

Please forgive my offenses.
Haribol.

This is the highest vision, of an uttama adhikari who has no identification with upadhi.

Protection of citizens is to be appreciated on the dharma level.

> This is the highest vision, of an uttama adhikari who has no identification with upadhi?
what do you mean by upadhi?

Upadhi is an external material designation of a jiva in samsara. Its basis is ahankara ("Im this and that" ...but Krsnas servant).

Bhakti means... The definition of bhakti, devotional service, is given in authoritative books like Narada-pancaratra. It is said there that... This is the definition of bhakti: sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam tat-paratvena nirmalam [Cc. Madhya 19.170]. Now we are encumbered with so many designations, designation. This body is Indian'97it is a designation. Your body, American'97it is a designation. You are not this body, not this designation. Suppose if your university gives you one degree, M.A. or B.A., Ph.D., oh, that degree you are not. It is a designation. So bhakti means you have to get yourself from this designation. Designation. Sarva upadhi. Upadhi means designation. So somebody, if gives me title, Sir Anatole, or this or that, oh, I become very happy: "Oh, I have got this sir title." But I forget that this is my designation. It will exist so long I have got this body. But the body is sure to vanquish, so designation will vanquish. When you get another body, then you get another designation. Suppose in this body I am American and next body you get China. Then you become Chinese designation. So we are changing our designation. We should stop this business of designation. You see? So sarvopadhi-vinir... If one is determined to get out of all these nonsense designations, then he can attain bhakti. (BG 8.20-22, NY, Nov 18 1966)

Prabhupada said, if you want to be a nationalist, be a nationalist for Krishna.