Why the Krishna devotees face harassment in some countries?
A devotee (No Name given) asked like this:
“Russian Hindus are constantly being persecuted in Russia. Why are Vaishnavas facing so much resistance all over the world? The natives have immense political power and they are using it in every way possible to destroy the Vaishnav Sankirtan Movement. A Vaishnav was arrested in Russia simply for chanting on streets. Even in the past, multiple attempts were done to ban Bhagavad Gita. Why is Krishna not helping them?
When will the Golden age start?
I am feeling so sad and depressed. I prayed for those Vaishnavs but I still can’t get my head out of those issues. For how long our Vaishnav brothers and sisters will suffer in India, Russia and other countries? Please don’t publish my name. Hare Krishna!”
REPLY:
It is natural for the people to get fumed when some new and contrary concepts are introduced by someone on their soil.
We can not accuse anyone for such reactions.
Every country has been following a particular religious path.
Those gods and concepts would have mixed with their blood and gene.
(Why Krishna gives more problems to His devotees, but helping many non devotees? READ HERE!)
We cry when some Hindus are converted to christianity. Why?
Because, they fear that their identity as a Hindu should not be taken away by others.
Similarly, when we speak about Krishna in a country with conservative religious views, or have no religious background or have contrary religious domination, then, they will naturally get fumed when a new religion or concept is introduced in that country.
That is why, our devotees face stiff opposition in some countries.
In some countries, they have been even jailed.
For those who do preach in such sensitive countries, every day’s existence is a question mark.
But, such devotees are like the soldiers against the maya.
(WHY KRISHNA DEVOTEES ARE GIVEN MORE PROBLEMS? (WITH SUBTLE FACTS) – PART-2! READ HERE!)
They are very much ready to accept any type of pains for preaching the glories and names of Krishna.
They will even happily die if they are killed for preaching the glories of Krishna.
However, every devotee will have to obey the rules of the governments under which they are functioning, ie, preaching..
Because, even the sanyasis are not beyond the countries’ laws. They too have to follow the laws of the lands in which they are living.
Even when the Lord Krishna and Lord Rama came to the Earth, they came thru the womb respecting the rules of earth. They accepted gurus, honoured their parents, accepted friends, accepted marriage, etc.
(Is immediate relief from Problems Possible for devotees of Krishna? READ HERE!)
Similarly wherever we preach the Names and Glories of Krishna, we should remember that we are preaching in another country with different religious and cultural background
If we preach honouring the laws of countries, but they arrest and torture us, we need not worry. Because, we are ready to bear the pains while serving the Lord.
I had to sacrifice my business, family life, Sex life, etc., for serving Krishna and His devotees.
It never made me sad. Instead, I happily accept such a life without any material pleasures.
You may ask why we can’t preach retaining the business and family.
If we like to give complete dedication and perfection in our preaching and devotional life, Brahmacharya ashrama or sanyasa ashrama will be more favourable.
That is why, Sri Caitanya Maha Prabhu, Srila Prabhupada and other acharyas took sanyasa.
I too faced a situation: I should sacrifice anyone – either developing my business & starting my family by serving Krishna only on Sundays and holidays.
But, the communications with the devotees through the online media required everyday full time & full day dedication.
So, I daringly quit my problematic earning business & desire to start my own family life to involve in the Lord’s service full time!
Losing an earning business needs true material detachment and attachment to Krishna. Without the faith in Krishna, such decisions can’t be taken.
This is how, our devotees face pains during their preaching service in some countries.
They have dared to face all the pains to establish and spread Krishna Consciousness throughout the world.
(Is Changing religion to come out of all problems right? READ HERE!)
In some Islamic countries like Dubai, even the government top officials and rulers visit the Hare Krishna functions.
So, both Supporting and Harassing countries are there in this world.
The path of the Service to Krishna is not a bed of roses. That is why the Krishna devotees face harassment in some countries!
It requires real sacrifice in different ways.
The suffering of our devotees in those countries is also like that only.
They happily accept those pains. Like Krishna gives courage for women to deliver a child, same Krishna gives the devotees in such sensitive and risky countries capacity to bear any pain while at service.
And, Krishna will definitely bless them with the life in His Kingdom.
When the whole world is filled with Krishna Consciousness in future, such situations will change. It will take time.
Let us pray for such great Krishna devotees who face harassment while at service.
(Is it wrong for the devotees thinking them as great in their service? READ HERE!)