Aditya — February 4, 1976

Bombay 

My dear Aditya, 

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 28th January, 1976. 

The spirit soul is equal in either a man or woman. One who is actually engaged in the service of Krishna, there is no such distinction as man or woman. In the Bhagavad-gita, 6th Chapter, 1st Verse it is stated anasritah karma-phalam karijam karma karoti yah/ sa sannyasi ca yogi ca na niragnir na cakriyah (Bg. 6.1). Anyone acting for Krishna, he is a sannyasi or sannyasini. It is also stated: striyo vaisyas tatha sudras te’pi yanti param gatim. So spiritually everyone is equal. But materially a woman cannot be given Sannyasa. But you should not be bothered because you are serving on the spiritual platform. 

I hope this meets you well. 

Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami 

ACBS/tkg 

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