Wednesday 9 March 2022

Friday, March 4, 2022

243 Ave. Rd., Toronto

Pingala, the Prostitute

What does prostitution have to do with consciousness of Krishna? Is there any compatibility here? We hear that prostitution is the world’s oldest profession and that this vocation was around in Krishna’s time. Society women in His time felt He was a heart-throb. They would go out on their balconies to greet Him with flowers as He entered the city. Does a Krishna Conscious culture endorse this interesting profession?

The story of Pingala, from Canto 11 of the Bhagavatam, is very interesting. She had lots of clients, but one day practically no one showed up. Hours passed by and there was a void. There were no appointments for the day. She grew fatigued. Thoughts passed through her mind as to what providence had in store for her. Why this sudden void?

It became an incredible time for introspection. Perhaps change or adjustment was her destiny. And as we can imagine she just might have got a little tired of her work. Perhaps the lustre of it all was starting to wane. “Transformational” might be the perfect word to describe her situation. Things were stirring up inside. Being raised in a culture around her that was largely spiritually infused, she began to consider the other options. “I’ve only seen men one way, as objects. Perhaps I could honour the Supreme Male, the Absolute “Mr. Right.” I could love Him in the same way that Laksmi, the goddess, honours Him.”

Pingala’s contemplation led her to an altogether different approach. She became happy.

May the Source be with you!


 

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