Modes of Material Nature: Mode of Goodness

Q. I have grown up chanting the Gayatri Mantra but since joining Krishna consciousness movement, I was told that we can not do it until we are brahmana-initiated. Why is that?

According to Vedic injunction, "sampradaya-vihina ye mantras te nisphala matah" i.e. unless one is initiated in the mantra by a bona fide spiritual master, coming in disciplic succession, the mantra will not be effective or will not give the desired result.

Q. My question is very simple, yet very much related to my progress in devotional service. Everyday I get up at 4 a.m., chant my rounds and hear lecture. But in the day time I cannot resist my tendency to sleep. Every time I make a commitment but fail. How can I avoid sleeping in the day time?

Q. 1. Why do we drink milk from the cows? Is that not also inflicting cruelty upon them?

Q. How to cope up with envy in this competitive world? I am working for a software company which is always full of competition and peer pressures. Even if I try to ignore the peer pressure, at times this attitude itself is leading me to inefficiency in work or stagnation. How to develop the right attitude at work place without yielding to envy and at the same time improving the efficiency? I need some practical tips that I can follow on a day to day basis.

Q. What is the definition of a Vaishnava? Can Hare Krishna devotees be classified under Vaishnavas?

Q. Is God a vegetarian? I read that Lord Rama used to hunt deer for His food.

Q. If a person has set an aim to achieve,(something) which is rather difficult, and is working hard to achieve this, is it okay for that person to get irritated and rude when dealing with their loved ones, or being selfish to an extent? How can they deal with the different pressures they have to face and keep a cool and composed mind?

It is neither justified, nor is it really necessary, to yield to the pushings of anger, irritation or harshness, under any circumstances. A thoughtful person should avoid the trap of the mode of passion, of which these pushings are the symptoms. The modes of passion and ignorance always lead to misery in the long run.

Q. My question is about Arjuna's softhearted, devotee-like nature, and not so Ksatriya-like nature. Varnashrama divisions are based on nature and not by birth. Though one may be born in any one of the varnas, one can be elevated to the position of a Vaishnava by practice of devotional service. Right?

Q. Why does it say in the Nectar of Devotion that a devotee should not wear clothes that are colored red or blue?