Devotee Women – Vaishnavis – Forbidden to take Sannyas: Srila Prabhupada

“February 4, 1976 : Mayapur
The acceptance of sannyasa has become so popular recently that even some of the ladies are asking about it. Aditya dasi sent an enquiry from Bombay. “I am writing this letter on behalf of myself, as well as the other women in our Society. Sometimes the question has come up, but no one seems to know the real answer, about sannyasinis. I know that sannyasa is the highest order of spiritual life, therefore is it not possible that we can be eligible? Myself, I do not feel like a woman, although I am in this body.”

Prabhupada’s reply was concise and clear. Quoting from Bhagavad-gita, he told her the soul is neither man nor woman, and for those engaged in Krishna’s service, there is no distinction between man and woman. “Anyone acting for Krishna, he is a sannyasi or sannyasini. Spiritually everyone is equal. But materially a woman cannot be given sannyasa. But you should not be bothered because you are serving on the spiritual platform.”

Note that Prabhupada did NOT refer to Aditya dasi as a vaishnavi (that she was), but “a woman”.

Reference: A Transcendental Diary Volume 1 – Hari Sauri Dasa