Lecture After Play
-
April 6, 1975, Mayapur
750406LE-MAYAPUR [03:16 Minutes]
Sir, these songs are from woman
Prabhupada: ...dramatical performance. It is very nice. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu also introduced this dramatical play when He was grhastha at Navadvipa, and all the devotees used to see. But they were played by all males. There was no such thing, female taking part. This female taking part was later on introduced by one dramatist, by Girish Chandra Ghosh, imitating the Western way of dramatical play. Otherwise, in our childhood, we never saw any dramatical play performed by woman. So if you organize this kind of play, at least they'll be appreciated by the saintly order. The sannyasis also can see. But parts played by women, the sannyasis cannot see. That is not..., strictly prohibited.
By Caitanya Mahaprabhu's personal example we can see that there was a dancing and musical play by women in the Jagannatha temple. Of course, ordinary visitors, they can see, but sannyasis or brahmacaris, they are strictly prohibited. So when the music was going on, Caitanya Mahaprabhu became very ecstatic, that "Such a nice music is coming from Jagannatha temple. Let Me go and see." Then His personal servant Govinda prohibited Him, "Sir, these songs are from woman." "Oh? It is from woman? Govinda, you have saved My life." [laughter] So sannyasis and brahmacaris are strictly prohibited to hear or to see dancing women. Of course, in your country it is very difficult. But at least if such play, dramatical play performed, the sannyasis, brahmacaris cannot take part. But if the parts are played by male members, everyone can see, in front of the Deity. There is no harm.
Devotees: All glories to Srila Prabhupada. [end]