Dramatical Plays and Renunciate Restrictions

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada · Mayapur · 1975

Chapters

Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced dramatic plays

Prabhupāda: ...dramatical performance. It is very nice. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu also introduced this dramatical play when He was gṛhastha at Navadvīpa, and all the devotees used to see.

Traditional exclusion of female actors

But they were played by all males. There was no such thing, female taking part.

Western influence on modern drama

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.

Saintly appreciation for religious plays

So if you organize this kind of play, at least they'll be appreciated by the saintly order. The sannyāsīs also can see.

Restrictions for sannyasis and brahmacaris

But parts played by women, the sannyāsīs cannot see. That is not..., strictly prohibited. By Caitanya Mahāprabhu's personal example we can see that there was a dancing and musical play by women in the Jagannātha temple.

Of course, ordinary visitors, they can see, but sannyāsīs or brahmacārīs, they are strictly prohibited.

Caitanya Mahaprabhu avoids female music

So when the music was going on, Caitanya Mahāprabhu became very ecstatic, that "Such a nice music is coming from Jagannātha 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 sannyāsīs and brahmacārīs are strictly prohibited to hear or to see dancing women.

Challenges of strict monastic rules

Of course, in your country it is very difficult. But at least if such play, dramatical play performed, the sannyāsīs, brahmacārīs cannot take part.

Appropriate performances before the deity

But if the parts are played by male members, everyone can see, in front of the Deity. There is no harm. Thank you very much.

Devotees: All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda. [end]