Question: I have been attached to ISKCON and the Krishna consciousness process for last one year. Prior to that I was too attached to material life, eating non veg, onion & garlic and alcoholic consumption; but now I have stopped everything. My wife has issues, she is fine if I don’t eat nonveg, but she is kind of forcing me to eat onion and garlic foods and creating a bad atmosphere inside the house. If I eat onion and garlic foods, I feel like vomiting; and after I eat; I do not feel good. I tried to explain to her these foods are not good and will make our mind agitated but she is not convinced. I want to maintain peace in my family but at the same time I want to be in mode of goodness. Weekly three days (Monday, Thursday and Saturday) she is fine if I don’t eat onion and garlic foods but remaining days, she is forcing me to eat. Please advise me what I should do. l want improve my Bhakti more.
Answer by Romapada Swami:
You have expressed great interest in making progress in your spiritual life and have already taken steps towards it by giving up alcohol and nonveg food.
To stay focused you should remain inwardly firm in your convictions which are provided by guru, sadhu, and sastra. This is explicitly stated by Narada to Yudhisthira; see SB 7.14.6
At the same time, try to discuss with your wife in a very calm and respectful manner that eating onion and garlic does not suit your health.
