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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