June 22, 2008 Split Croatia.

Before continuing with my thoughts about being focused I would like to
address the concerns of a devotee who communicated with me after reading the first portion of this present topic (Being focused). She has some very interesting points that I would like to address.

The comment was that some devotees will disagree with me concerning emotions because of the negative connotation that emotions have. Their fear is that people newer to the process of Krishna consciousness will be encouraged to let their feelings and actions guide their actions instead of functioning on the intelligence platform. The example was cited a devotee who does not go to the morning program because her emotions are telling her not to go. She is also afraid of being a blind follower.

My explanation is as follows: Emotions are an important aspect of ourselves and are not to be neglected. At the same time our intelligence is as important and also not to be neglected. So the question is, how to reconcile conflicts between the emotions and intelligence.

One should recognize that emotions do not stand on their own. That is they are the products of needs either fulfilled or unfulfilled. Negative emotions such as anger come from needs that are not fulfilled and positive emotions such as happiness come from fulfilled needs.

So, with intelligence (and if necessary with the facilitation of others) one should examine where one’s emotions are coming from. Emotions are not coming from someone else. They are coming from oneself in relationship to needs. Strategies may have to change to meet needs but that can best be done when we recognize needs.

For example my strong emotions regarding eating animal products (milk, etc) are coming from my strong need for compassion. I have been praying to Srila Prabhupada and Radha and Krishna to increase my compassion and love for all living entities. My role models are Haridas Thakura (being whipped in so many market places and still loving the people who were doing it) and Lord Jesus Christ (who was praying for the benefit of those who were crucifying him.

With my intelligence I can ascertain that these needs are in harmony with my spiritual development (another need). In fact all needs (we are talking about basic needs, like sustenance, joy, interaction, play, interdependence, etc.) are in harmony with spirituality.

Whenever I experience an emotion I examine it with my intelligence and connect it to a need. This way I will undertake the proper productive strategy to meet my needs and ultimately become completely Krishna conscious as the most important need for me is to love Krishna as this is the only thing that will completely satisfy my soul.

On the other hand you mentioned a devotee who does not go to the morning program because her emotions are telling her not to. I would advise this devotee to analyze using her intelligence where those emotions are coming from (in terms of needs).

In addition her desire to not become a blind follower gives me a pretty good hint as to why she is feeling what she is feeling.

Most likely her need for autonomy is very strong. This is good. In fact Prabhupada wanted us to be independently thoughtful. But, on the other hand the strategy that she is taking to fulfill this need will not actually accomplish its purpose nor will other essential needs be fulfilled.

With rebellion one loses their autonomy and is still controlled by the person or institution that they wish to be free from. Of course that control is a negative control, but still they are controlled by rebellion. So rebellion is a non-productive strategy to achieve autonomy. It accomplishes the opposite.

In addition other basic needs such as spiritual advancement, happiness (which comes from spiritual awareness), joy, interdependence, etc will not be fulfilled. Therefore the result of the strategy of rebellion will be misery.

However her rebellion is completely understandable and I can really empathize with it. When becoming emotionally free (autonomous) the first stage (after submission) is that of rebellion or obnoxiousness. This is a natural stage and it generally occurs with those who are breaking free.

You can see this stage with children who are in their what they call “terrible two” stage. Previously they were completely identified with their mother. Now they are asserting their individuality. If they receive empathy for this stage the children quickly develop as individuals. However if the children are opposed (even using the term “terrible two” is not productive), they will become more and more rebellious and ultimately when they get older they will have serious challenges in their lives (anger issues, etc.).

I have seen this in domination cultures in which the children are forced to conform with threats of punishment or controlled by rewards. I think most of us can recognize these cultures either within our own religious society or within more expanded societies that may encompass the majority of people from certain countries or ethnic backgrounds.

After the rebellious stage (if the person is encouraged, given empathy, and facilitation) the natural stage of emotional liberation is reached where one is in touch with their needs and functions as a productive member of society.

I revealed my feelings and thoughts about my compassion towards animals because it is important for me to be open and honest. I don’t want to live a life out of touch with myself as a façade or designation in an institutional context. I

In the next segment of my blog, I will continue with the challenge of being focused on our mission in life: the spreading of Kcon and the cultivation of Kcon.