Will war break out because of the corona crisis, as some devotee-astrologers say – should we withdraw to self-sufficient village communities?
Answer Podcast
Will war break out because of the corona crisis, as some devotee-astrologers say? Should we withdraw to self-sufficient village communities?
Question:
Some devotee-astrologers claim that due to the corona crisis, modern civilization will collapse, war may break out, and therefore we should retreat to villages, stock up on grains, and prepare for survival. Srila Prabhupada also spoke at times about the possibility of war. How should we understand such statements, and what should be our response?
Answer: A Three-Part Analysis
To address this question, let’s consider three main aspects:
- What Srila Prabhupada and our tradition say,
- What particular devotees or astrologers might say,
- What we should do practically.
1. What Srila Prabhupada and Our Tradition Say
It’s important to recognize that Srila Prabhupada responded dynamically to the circumstances of his time. During the Cold War, he did mention the possibility of war and other global crises. However, these were not based on scriptural prophecy, nor did Prabhupada claim any special revelation from Krishna or formal expertise in astrology.
He repeatedly emphasized that his authority came from shastra, and taught us to rely on Guru, Sadhu, and Shastra as our guiding principles. His statements about potential future wars were contextual, based on the sociopolitical climate of the time—not prophetic absolutes.
To take such statements made 45–50 years ago and apply them literally and selectively to today’s situation, without context, is a misapplication.
2. What About Devotee-Astrologers and Their Predictions?
While astrology has a significant role in the broader Vedic tradition, it is a complex field that requires deep experience, maturity, and discernment.
- Just because someone is a devotee doesn’t mean their astrological predictions are automatically reliable.
- Conversely, we shouldn’t dismiss their insights simply because they’re astrologers either.
The credibility of astrology—and astrologers—must be evaluated based on expertise and track record, not devotional seniority.
Moreover, ISKCON and the Gaudiya tradition do not mandate a single position on astrology. Some devotees may:
- Regularly consult astrologers,
- Occasionally refer to astrology,
- Or entirely disregard it—and all can still be serious and sincere bhaktas.
Our inclination toward or away from astrology often depends on our upbringing, mental disposition, or personal experiences.
So if an astrologer predicts civilizational collapse, it’s worth evaluating that prediction critically, not adopting it out of fear or pressure.
3. What Should We Do Practically?
When facing uncertain situations like the corona crisis, some devotees consider moving to villages, stocking grains, or preparing for possible societal breakdown.
A few points to consider:
- No one can precisely predict the future.
(Think of the Y2K scare—many devotees prepared for collapse, but nothing happened.) - The world is dangerous, but humanity has proven resilience and the ability to adapt.
- Bhakti is not fear-driven. If we act out of panic, our service may not be sustainable.
If someone has long felt inspired to live a simple, village-based, self-sufficient lifestyle, and now feels confirmed in that aspiration, such a move may be positive.
But if the decision is based solely on fear, or on the selective quoting of Srila Prabhupada or certain astrologers, it may not lead to lasting spiritual or practical benefit.
Srila Prabhupada certainly promoted simple living and self-sufficiency, but he himself did not live in a rural setting. He traveled widely, lived in cities, and focused on global outreach. His emphasis was not on running away from society, but on reforming society through Krishna consciousness.
Most of ISKCON’s growth and outreach has also happened in urban areas.
So yes, some preparation for emergencies (like storing food and ensuring health safety) is prudent, especially during pandemics. But abandoning cities entirely may not be feasible or even desirable for many devotees—especially if our services, sangha, and outreach opportunities are based in urban areas.
Conclusion: Service, Not Survivalism
As devotees, our primary goal is not survival, but service. We don’t live in fear—we live in faith and intelligence.
If relocating to a rural area enables better service to Krishna and is a long-cherished aspiration, it may be a good step. But we must avoid panic-driven decisions based on selective predictions or interpretations.
Let our lives be driven by inspiration, not fear; by discernment, not hysteria.
Let us draw strength from spiritual wisdom, live faithfully, and serve purposefully, wherever Krishna has placed us.
Hare Krishna.