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Pertinent Advice
\nThis short article, “Vai\u1e63\u1e47avera Vyavah\u0101ra Du\u1e25kha” [ The Worldly Difficulties of a Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava ] was published in the 10th Volume, 2nd Issue of Sajjana To\u1e63a\u1e47\u012b in 1898. Herein, Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura explains the difference between the difficulties encountered by a Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava and those of a non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava. Towards the end of the article he speaks about the Bubonic Plague which broke out at the end of 1897 and was still a huge threat in Kolkata at the time of writing.
\nHere is the article:
\nThere are many human beings in the world and they are divided into two groups, Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas and non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas. Those who are bereft of bhakti, be they a scholar, a rich man, a strong man, a br\u0101hma\u1e47a, a king or his subject \u2013 they are all non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas. One who has bhakti, whether he is a householder or a sanny\u0101s\u012b, whether he is rich or poor, whether he is a scholar or a fool, whether he is weak or strong, he is a Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava.
\nThe various physical and mental activities of the Vai\u1e63\u1e47vavas, just like the non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas while journeying in the physical body, can be difficult. All such difficulties encountered by Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas are not real difficulties, but are temporary, just like the difficulties of those travelling to Vaiku\u1e47\u1e6dha \u2013 thus those difficulties are eventually severed. In this regard, \u015ar\u012b V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana D\u0101sa \u1e6ch\u0101kura has written:
\nyata dekha vai\u1e63\u1e47avera vyavah\u0101ra-du\u1e25kha
\nni\u015bcaya j\u0101niha sei par\u0101nanda-sukha
\nvi\u1e63aya-mad\u0101ndha saba kichui n\u0101 j\u0101ne
\nvidy\u0101-made, dhana-made vai\u1e63\u1e47ava n\u0101 cine
\n\u201cKnow for certain that whatever so-called worldly distress is seen in a Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava is actually the greatest happiness. People intoxicated with pride due to sense enjoyment know nothing. They cannot recognize a Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava due to pride born of knowledge and wealth.\u201d
\n [ Caitanya-bh\u0101gavata, Madhya-kh\u0101\u1e47\u1e0da 9.240-241 ]\nThe meaning is that this mortal life of non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas is everything. The pain they suffer is easily exacerbated. Despite their best efforts to alleviate this suffering, their pain cannot be eradicated. In this way, their lives are spent in torment. On the other hand, we should understand that the worldly life of exalted devotees is a temporary journey. Thus, the temporary worldly distress in their lives is spent with complete disregard since they are under the influence of pure spiritual happiness. Therefore, O brothers, in this world, only the gems of hari-bhakti have been collected carefully. Be counted amongst the Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas and do not consider yourself as a non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava.
\nFearing this plague is the mentality of a non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava. Look brothers! What can this plague do to you? What real harm can the plague do by ending this useless life? If you desire some benefit, learn a lesson from the plague. If you are caught by the plague, then your life is over. Imagine where your wealth and happiness will go! Therefore, without wasting your time uselessly, constantly and sincerely chant hari-n\u0101ma with devotion. Then billions of plagues cannot do anything to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n
Fearing this plague is the mentality of a non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava. Look brothers! What can this plague do to you? What real harm can the plague do by ending this useless life? If you desire some benefit, learn a lesson from the plague. If you are caught by the plague, then your life is over. Imagine where your wealth and happiness will go! Therefore, without wasting your time uselessly, constantly and sincerely chant hari-n\u0101ma with devotion. Then billions of plagues cannot do anything to you.<\/p>\n
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