The word enthusiasm has its origins in Greek (en-theos, or having a god within) where it indicated someone overcome with the spirit of some god. It wasn’t used then very positively. That definition is still given for the word, but in the last possible use. In that rarely used meaning of the word it indicates an extreme religious devotion, intensely emotional, and breaking with tradition. I thought this was an interesting aside for our discussion here, though that is not how the word is used in this verse.<\/p>\n
Of more interest for understanding the importance of enthusiasm for our practical application, enthusiasm is defined in Websters Unabridged Dictionary as ‘absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest’. Sounds like something good for the practice of yoga if we add Krishna as our interest!<\/p>\n
For this brief discussion I am summarizing Prabhupada’s comments on enthusiasm in his purport to this verse and also from Shri Bhaktyaloka, where Thakur Bhaktivinode devotees a chapter to explain each principle. The two explanations compliment each other nicely.<\/p>\n
Prabhupada begins his purport with a famous sentence that, ‘Devotional service is not a matter of sentimental speculation or imaginative ecstasy.’ He describes Bhakti as a cultivation, which means an activity (distinguished from idle yogic meditation). We have to understand the value of devotional service by learning about it from devotees and engaging in its’ nine processes. He is saying that we show our enthusiasm by our practical activity in Krishna consciousness. In any occupation enthusiasm is essential, and this is certainly the case as well in Krishna’s devotional service. ‘Enthusiasm’ he says ‘means action’, and in devotional service it is action for Krishna.<\/p>\n
His definition of devotional service is ‘endeavor executed with intelligence in Krishna consciousness’.<\/p>\n
In Bhaktivinode’s discussion he begins by saying what enthusiasm is not or what the lack of enthusiasm causes: ‘Without utsaha [enthusiasm], one becomes negligent in his worship. Negligence is born out of inactivity, apathy, or indifference. Laziness and inertia are called inactivity. When utsaha is generated, laziness and inertia cannot remain. The absence of desire to work is inertia. This inertia is opposite to the nature of spirit. If one allows his inertia to remain in his body or heart, then how can he perform devotional service? The state of apathy develops from carelessness.’ <\/p>\n
Later on the Thakur refers to the Hari-bhakti-vilas where carelessness or inattention is one of the offenses against the holy name. There three types of inattention are described, namely, apathy, inactivity, and distraction. Unless we are able to give these up we can’t perform devotional service properly. Our attitude and intension are crucial for success! <\/p>\n
To conclude he says that 1) enthusiasm is the only support for devotional service,
\n2) that all anarthas [unwanted ways of thinking and acting] are vanquished through devotional service performed with enthusiasm, and 3) faith without enthusiasm is meaningless. (or as the Bible say, ‘Faith without works is dead’—though we could add ‘Faith without enthusiastic actions is dead’).<\/p>\n
So it is obvious that enthusiasm is the life of devotional service. We become enthusiastic to serve Krishna in association of devotees who are. As Prabhupada said Bhakti is cultivation through practice. In the beginning our enthusiasm may be small, or at various times it may wane. However, we develop enthusiasm, by assisting advanced devotees who have feeling for Krishna, and enthusiasm for servicing him and the devotees. Enthusiasm is contagious! While serving with enthused devotees we have to continuously hear about the glories of Krishna, and understand our predicament in the material world (positive and negative impetus). As we try to act with enthusiasm and pray for it, enthusiasm will naturally arise in the course of devotional service.<\/p>\n
Having said the above, enthusiasm and in fact everything devotional can be tested and difficult to practice during major life upheavals. During these times it can be extremely difficult to do the very things that will be most helpful for our being enthusiastic in our spiritual life. We will require much support and understanding from our network of devotee’s friends. <\/p>\n
If we are offering support to someone in crisis, we have to take the individual’s nature and personality into account, and understand the grieving process. In other words we need to understand both the limits and strengths of our philosophy according to the time, circumstance, and nature of the distressed devotee. Here our hearts’ affection for the person has much more currency then our “official” philosophical commentary.<\/p>\n
Our well-meaning words may be philosophically correct, but be inappropriate and not appreciated. Certainly this is true in all crisis situations, but even more in extreme cases such as abuse, or if ones’ guru has left Krishna consciousness or has deviated. Then (according to our relationship) we can help nurse these devotees back to spiritual health, which may mean appropriate counseling, and it certainly means loving, understanding friendship—and often allowing space to grieve and process. <\/p>\n
Having good devotee companions is always essential. Yet in times of great adversity, betrayal, or major life changes or reverses, having sympathetic, yet wise devotee friendships are essential. The saying “example is better then precept” is also even more true then ordinarily so. <\/p>\n
The points made by Prabhupada and Bhaktivinode about enthusiasm are both insightful and straightforward. However, applying them in unique real life situations to devotees in great distress or adversity takes a lot of maturity, practical experience, compassion, and realization of the spirit of Krishna consciousness. <\/p>\n
Although we should be enthusiastic and know our philosophy, to apply it blindly will not be helpful. Formulaic recommendations without realization demonstrate the meaning of “dogma”. Even a necessary quality like enthusiasm can be misapplied and have harmful effects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The word enthusiasm has its origins in Greek (en-theos, or having a god within) where it indicated someone overcome with the spirit of some god. It wasn’t used then very positively. That definition is still given for the word, but in the last possible use.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,92],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles","category-karnamrita-dasa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4991","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4991"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4991\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4991"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Hare](\"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1985.jpg\")
By Karnamrita dasa<\/strong><\/p>\n