I think way too much emphasis is placed on brahminical culture and lifestyle in Chaitanya Vaishnavism. When I was a young sannyasi in India, adopting brahminical standards made sense. Later, when I returned to the West and no longer had a support system for that, I gave it up with no regrets. It goes against my nature and the life I live. One is to follow one’s sva-dharma, not that of another. When we follow another’s way and repress our own nature, it developes a large shadow which often expresses itself in unhealthy ways. Therefore, I consider myself to be casteless, or of mixed caste, and do whatever I have to do. These are all material things and have nothing to do with devotion.
