By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Tamala Krsna Goswami: “It is better to live in this world by begging than to live at the cost of the lives of great souls who are my teachers. Even though they are avaricious, they are nonetheless superiors. If they are killed, then our spoils will be tainted with blood [Bg. 2.5].”
Srila Prabhupada: This is another indication how superiors should be shown respect. Arjuna says, “Although they have become avaricious, still, they are my superior.” Avaricious, why? “They have got full affection for me. My grandfather Bhisma has got full affection for me. And Dronacarya, I am his very dear student so he has also my very affection… good affection for me. But because Duryodhana has paid them, he has accepted their service. Paid them. So avaricious. Simply for money, in spite of so much affection and intimate relationship, they have accepted the service of Duryodhana, counting on money. So therefore they are avaricious. But in spite of their being avaricious, they are my respectful.” This is respect. This is respect, that the respectful person who is my respectful, even there are some characteristics who does not command respect, still respect should be offered. This is a respectful offering. Yes. Sometimes it may be. The example is given. In the Bhagavad-gita you’ll find, api cet sudaracaro bhajate mam ananya-bhak sadhur eva sa mantavyah [Bg. 9.30]. “Even a devotee is sometimes found not acting properly, but because he has got that unflinching faith and devotion upon Me,” Krsna says, “therefore he is saint.” Only for that one qualification — he does not know except Krsna. So to such person, even some flaws are found in their character… Just like we have imposed some rules that illicit sex relationship and intoxication, meat-eating, so many things. So… Of course, intentionally one should not break these laws. But even sometimes we may find that there is some flaw in one’s part… Suppose if I see somebody smoking, but he is doing Krsna consciousness very nicely. So we should not deride. We shall give him concession to reform. It does not mean that because he has accidentally smoked, smoking, that does not mean he has become immediately disqualified. As Arjuna is showing: “Although they have become avaricious, still, they are my superiors. Still. Still, they are my superiors.” This is called unflinching faith. In spite of seeing my respectful superior abominable, not willingly, but by accident, still, I should not withdraw my respect. That is the… Hmm.”
-B.G.2.1-10 and talk, Los Angeles, 25. November.1968
I must admit sometimes in our lives things aren’t always easy and this can get us down. Lately I am realising the necessity of becoming the honey bee always seeking the nectar, overcoming the fly-like mentality that bypasses all the beautiful flowers and finds the one piece of stool.
We have the power to make that choice.
I have been experiencing the bliss of the association of Srila Prabhupadas glorious disciples and also Srila Prabhupada himself.
Last night my husband and I watched the DVD of Bhakti Tirtha Swamis passing. To see him so deeply experiencing Krishna Consciousness was so inspiring.
(BTSwami.com)
I also read Devamrta Swamis website last week and was so appreciative of his integrity as a leader of our movement (please read article “What you mean to me” http://www.devaswami.com/?q=node/135)
Sivarama Swami is also sharing his advice to devotees via short daily podcasts and we have found so much insight on all types of relevant issues.
(http://www.sivaramaswami.com)
My Guru Maharaj, Indradyumna Swami is writing his Travelling preacher diaries to give us insight into the experiences of a devotee. He is pushing on even at the expense of his own health. (http://www.traveling-preacher.com/)
Bir Krishna Goswami is offering loving guidance to so many devotees all over the world in a practical way. He was just visiting us and he inspired our youth group by his enlivening kirtans.
Radhanatha Swami is responsible for the most successful, devotional temple in Iskcon as a result of his own personal example (please watch Simple Temple DVD available http://www.thekrishnastore.com/Detail.bok?no=2429&bar=)
Mother Kaulini in Gita Nagari is serving day and night, caring for Krishnas cows, Lord Jaganatha, the devotees.
Janananda Prabhu is regularly sending inspirational newsletters and always encouraging devotees with his enthusiasm.
Jayapataka Swami is flying everywhere, all the time just to serve the devotees.
Last but not least our Srila Prabhupada is guiding and caring for every single one of us. His lectures are so simple but so immensley potent and they strike a cord within me every time.
I could go on and on but the list is getting so long it’s ridiculous.
These devotees are our lifeline. They are keeping us alive in Krishna Consciousness. They have so much to offer-just put out your hand to receive-and have a grateful heart.
Who am I to know if they were always this advanced. Maybe they struggled at times or made mistakes like I do. Whatever the case, all glories to their service and their determination to stay firmly situated at their spiritual masters lotus feet. May we always stay in their care!