Vaishnavism 2 - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

setting. I still live more in the ordinary worldand aspire to see God-dess in everything.Therefore, I embrace panentheism as a morecomplete theology than theism.73. Dr. Haberman: . . . Once we begin tolisten to that particular side of the tradition,we see that the lila is not somethingreached only by rejecting the world; ratherthis very world is the lila. And activity in thisworld, if it could be perceived correctly, islila . . . The ascetics seem to emphasize thelila-smarana tradition, while thehouseholders, naturally, favor . . . seeing lilain the here and now, in this world. (308)I reject the ascetic path as unnatural,unhealthy, and unconducive to devotion formost Westerners. It is better to live in thisworld aware of God-dess’ presence ineverything.74. Dr. Haberman: . . . an ascetic who issitting off in a hut with his eyes closed tothe world and thinking of the divine lila isliving a very different life than the one whoaccepts whatever comes, does whatever isto be done, and strives to really see that aslila. I think that’s where the real differencecomes--it’s in the kind of lifestyle that isproduced from whichever viewpoint oneseems to hold. (310)Most Westerners are incapable of living astrict ascetic lifestyle and do better in marriedlife. Why promote renunciation rather than39