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Monks 'Dilemma
Monks' Dilemma
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should be done under the supervision of an expert who knows and can identify correctly. We know that medicines from forest are collected generally by tribals who are very poor and illiterate and in need of money, therefore usually collect in whatever stage mature or immature and traders are invariably adulterators. Now-a-days medicinal plants are being cultivated in agricultural fields where the eco system is quite different from that in forests where medicinal plants naturally grow and therefore cannot have the same potency. When the purity of raw material is not assured how you can be sure of the efficacy of your drugs?"
ghee or any perfume does produce Co,, the increasing concentration of which is a major factor in global warming and climate change. The wood burnt is manufactured by cutting green trees which would have given O, as long they lasted, fifty to a hundred years. The poor in our country do not even see ghee all their life. Instead of burning, it should be given to the poor. I have also read the claim of your follower at your branch at Borkhera, Kota (Rajasthan) that burning of one tola of ghee in havan produces ten tonnes of 0, I wrote him to give me the secret formula of producing O, for getting it patented and that I shall give him Rs. one lakh. He did not respond. If you want I can prove that havans pollute the environment by measuring pollution level before and after performing the havan. I shall arrange all the equipment and pay for the expenses for this demonstration. If it is not possible now we can fix any convenient date suitable to you and your followers in large numbers if possible. I shall come again."
Manager, "I cannot answer your questions, you better meet our head."
They could not meet the head of the organisation, but got appointment with next senior most, Shrichandra, a tall and slim old man, may be in his eighties, sober and composed, greeted him and sat down. Deepak said, "We have come from Bangalore on tour here and shall feel obliged if you can kindly tell us in brief about your organisation."
Shrichandra, "It is contradictory to what our Vedas preach. I shall discuss your views with our scholars and let you know."
Deepak and Deepti knew that he would never respond as it would shake the very foundation of the organisation.
Shrichandra, "Our main objective is to restore morality in the country. We are publishing small books and pamphlets and distributing free. We are training dedicated followers to go to all parts in the country and propagate our message of morality based on the oldest scriptures the Vedas. We impress upon our followers to perform havan (offering ghee, grains etc in fire) daily and also follow a virtuous life style."
Deepak, "I know some of your followers at Bangalore and have seen them performing havan every day. I do not understand as to how burning of wood, cow dung, ghee and perfumes will help restore morality? Anything burnt even
While returning to the guest house they saw a procession of devotees of 'Hare Krishna' sect. All with tonsured heads, wearing saffron attires inscribed with words 'Hare Krishna' all over, marched slowly on the narrow road, reciting repeatedly the words, 'Hare Krishna' with rhythmic melody of various musical instruments. They stopped at the Ashram they were staying, but kept on reciting the same words. Deepti went to
