Q1. I work in a hotel that serves meat. By working there have I committed a sin? Would I be ineligible for Krishna Consciousness? I was reading the book “Yoga for The 21st century” by Tamal Krishna Goswami. In the book chapter 8, he says that anyone that has any connection to the death of an animal whether it be feeding, delivering, serving, etc., has committed a sin and is punishable by the laws of karma. Of course meat is cooked and served at our hotel. I am an Executive Chef at the hotel. Although I do not cook or eat meat I was really stunned by this statement as I have gained much from chanting the name of God.
Answer by Romapada Swami: The laws of karma are subtle and very stringent. As you have described, yes, anyone connected to sinful actions like animal killing, whether directly or indirectly, reaps proportionate reactions.
While this is true, no one is barred from Krishna consciousness or ineligible for His mercy. Even if unknowingly, or even knowingly, one may perform some punishable sinful actions, such a person may still take to chanting the Names of God and other devotional activities. I would like to reassure you that any sincerely performed devotional
service will certainly be accepted by Krishna; it cannot be nullified by an act of sin. In reciprocation with the devotional service rendered to Him, Krishna enlightens the devotee how to further purify their lives and come closer to Him (as, for example, you have come to a crossroads of your life where you are making this inquiry). With sincerity in you heart, you should strive to become situated in an occupation that does not involve the compromises that your current profession is shrouded within.
One serious caution is that we must not knowingly indulge in sinful activities thinking that it can be adjusted or counteracted by chanting. Such a mentality is offensive to the Holy name and should be avoided.
Devotees in general prefer to carefully choose an occupational duty that is as pure and `karma-free’ as possible. While every activity in the material world is covered by some unavoidable fault, occupations that directly break regulative principles can have a very deleterious effect on one’s consciousness and spiritual life as well as bring adverse
reactions, and this has been practically experienced by devotees in situations similar to yours. In your case, you could consider possible alternative chef situations where vegetarian food only is prepared, in the upcoming future of your career.
Meanwhile, although there may be some inevitable reactions, the best recourse is to take increased shelter of Krishna’s holy names praying for His protection, mercy and guidance to lead your life to a more conducive situation.
Q. 2. Also would anyone connected with other industries like defense also commit sin.
Answer by Romapada Swami: It is true that in this present age, the whole society is set up in such a way that it is very hard to lead a pure life. Just by virtue of living in a society that openly promotes all sorts of vices, we are in one way or another contributing to these sinful activities, what then to speak of being directly connected to some enterprise that is dedicated to such prohibited actions! Although most people are ignorant of these negative effects, the reactions are nonetheless treacherous! Over and above our deliberate efforts to choose relatively harmless professions under the guidance of experienced devotees, the only way to completely inoculate ourselves from these vicious reactions is by dedicating our lives cent percent to the service of the Supreme Lord.
To the extent our life is molded according to the instructions of the scriptures and our activities are done purely in service to the Lord, to that extent we are untouched by the reactions to our work. (See Bg 3.9, 18.57) Another significant way we can counteract such unavoidable contaminations while living in the material world is by contributing
positively to the eradication of such vices, such as by directly or indirectly promoting or supporting the dissemination of knowledge of Krishna consciousness to others.
