Vedic Conception of Equal Rights
The modern call for "equal rights" is analyzed by Śrīla Prabhupāda through the lens of Vedic knowledge, revealing a distinction between artificial material equality and genuine spiritual equality. He explains that on the material platform, absolute equality is impossible due to the dictates of natural law. However, on the spiritual platform, the Vedic system offers a profound equality that transcends gender, race, and even species. In a true Kṛṣṇa conscious society, everyone has an equal right to engage in devotional service and receive protection from the Supreme Father.
Spiritual Equality
Śrīla Prabhupāda affirms that in the realm of spirituality, there is no discrimination. Unlike material societies where rights are often limited by caste or gender, the path of bhakti-yoga is open to all. He explains that men and women have equal rights to become godly and return back to Godhead. This spiritual oneness forms the basis for a truly classless society.
- For God there is no discrimination. Women, men have equal rights to become godly and back to home, back to Godhead.
- As far as different faiths are concerned, religions may be of different types, but on the spiritual platform, everyone has an equal right to execute devotional service. That is the platform of oneness and the basis for a classless society.
- Women, it is only possible in our Vaisnava bhakti-yoga - women and men can be given equal right. There is no other system.
Material Differences and Natural Law
While accepting spiritual equality, Śrīla Prabhupāda challenges the notion of identical material rights for men and women, citing the biological laws of nature. He points out that nature has not given men and women the same functions—for instance, only women bear children. Therefore, he argues that the claim of "equal rights" in the material sphere is often a form of cheating that denies women the protection they naturally require.
- She is already dependent on nature's law that man is free from becoming pregnant and the woman has to take the burden. Then where is the independence, equal right? Equal right means sometimes man may become pregnant, sometimes woman may become pregnant.
- You women, you cannot see that this so-called equal right means cheating the woman.
- We cannot conceive equal rights of purusa and prakrti. That is not Vedic conception. Vedic conception is purusa, the superior, Supreme, and prakrti means subordinate.
Rights for All Living Beings
Śrīla Prabhupāda extends the concept of rights far beyond the human species. He critiques modern philosophies, such as Communism, which demand equality for humans but sanction the slaughter of animals. In the Vedic conception, God is the father of all living entities, and just as a father protects all his sons equally, the state and society must protect all beings, including animals.
- Does the father give less protection to the less intelligent son? No. The protection, the family protection, is equal for everyone. This is the conception, bhagavata community, equal right to everyone, even to the animals.
- The Communist philosophy also, there are so many defects. They also think of equal rights for everyone but why not for the animals? What right you have got to kill the animals? Similarly, the animal also kill you. So this is not organized society.
- Why the poor animals should be killed? They have got equal rights. But these rascals, they will not give equal rights.
Ideal Civilization
In a Kṛṣṇa conscious society, the focus shifts from demanding rights to performing duties for the satisfaction of the Supreme. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when men and women work cooperatively in their respective natural positions, centered on Kṛṣṇa, there is genuine satisfaction. In this "Bhāgavata community," protection and opportunity are available to everyone.
- Everything will be satisfied. Just like our women, Krsna conscious, they are working. They don't want equal rights with men. It is due to Krsna consciousness. They are cleansing the temple, they are cooking very nicely. They are satisfied.
- We are giving equal rights to everyone. Either grhastha or brahmacari or sannyasi, the main center is Krsna. One who is advanced in Krsna consciousness is all right.
- These are the conception, bhagavata community, equal right to everyone, even to the animals. That is Krsna consciousness.
Conclusion
The Vedic conception of equal rights is not a superficial political slogan but a deep spiritual reality. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that by acknowledging the Fatherhood of God, we naturally accord respect and protection to all His children. While respecting the material diversity arranged by nature, the devotee sees everyone—man, woman, and animal—as an eternal spirit soul with an equal right to God's love and protection.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Equal Rights. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.