Ajamila was a reservoir of good qualities and good character.However on seeing a sudra engaged with a prostitute , even though he was a fully qualified brahmana, the dormant lusty desires in his heart were revived and he could not stop himself from pursuing them.
Do not underestimate Maya
Ajamila was only an audience to such a scene probably the first time in his life but it was enough to stimulate his lower nature and cause him to fall from his glorious position of a qualified brahmana.If a firmly established brahmana like Ajamila could fall to pursue his lusty desires how can our devotional service situated on the foundation of inattentiveness help us when we are audience to similar scenes and sensual stimulants over and over again while executing our daily duties.These will only increase our sinful disposition.
Images, prajalpa through association of people and the written word, advertisements, etc bombard us in our day to day lives. Especially if we have certain detrimental habits like surfing the internet, attachment to the television and we do not follow the regulations of sadhana bhakti as explained by the acaryas and our Spiritual master's instructions carefully. Similarly reading books by Mayawada commentators is also as dangerous. It will act as slow poison and surely pull us away from bhakti.
Devotional service is the only way:
A sinful disposition is itself a sinful reaction. The disposition comes with karma or birth. We can stop the desire(kutam) from fructifying (bijam) by increased Krishna Consciousness. As Krishna promises in the Bhagavad Gita "aham tvam sarva-papebhyo mokshayishyami ma sucah" - He will deliver us from all sinful reactions if we surender unto Him completely and engage in devotional service with one pointed determination.This is a guarantee for the removal of sinful reactions in the form of the sinful disposition.
Devotional service that begins with the chanting of the Holy Names of the Lord is very powerful and protects us from pursuing desires born of our sinful disposition.
Srila Prabhupada states in the Ajamila pastime " There are so many dangers in this material world that one may fall down from an exalted position at any time. Yet if one keeps himself always pure and steady by chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, he will be safe without a doubt."
The onus is on us
Even if we have the Holy Name, the association of devotees and Srila Prabhupada books unless we use the resources favorably we will leave scope for our dormant material desires to take over.
In the pastime of the Pandavas retiring from the material world, Draupadi saw that her husbands were leaving home without caring for her. But because she had received and followed instructions carefully during her lifetime she took care of herself without waiting for her husbands. She was able to fix her mind on the Lotus feet of Krsna and got the same result as her husbands.
We have to take care of ourselves during our lifetime else we can fall down like Ajamila and not reach the Ultimate goal. Srila Prabhupada writes for the above pastime " When flying an airplane, one cannot take care of other planes. Everyone has to take care of his own plane, and if there is any danger, no other plane can help another in that condition. Similarly, at the end of life, when one has to go back home, back to Godhead, everyone has to take care of himself without help rendered by another. The help is, however, offered on the ground before flying in space. Similarly, the spiritual master, the father, the mother, the relatives, the husband and others can all render help during one's lifetime, but while crossing the sea one has to take care of himself and utilize the instructions formerly received."
Follow the rules and regulations attentively:
Even if we refrain from activities of sense gratification and try to follow the rules and regulations of bhakti there is still a possibility of revival of our dormant desires if we are not attentive in our practice. Kala Krsna Das was Lord Chaitanya's personal servant during His south Indian yatra. He left Mahaprabhu's asssociation to join the Bhattatharis , who enticed him with women.
Srila Prabhupada writes in this regard : "Even though a person may associate with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, he can be allured by māyā and leave the Lord's company due to his slight independence..........This is factual evidence showing that it is possible at any time to fall down from the Lord's association. One need only misuse his little independence. Once fallen and separated from the Supreme Personality of Godhead's association, one becomes a candidate for suffering in the material world."
Following the rules and regulations carefully is extremely important to free us from the attack of Maya. The difference between one who falls down even after practicing and one who doesnt is the degreee of their attentiveness in their practice. Attentiveness in our chanting and hearing, while offering services, doing kirtan,controlling the minds demands is our safety net. Attentive devotional service is the only way to protect us from misusing our independence.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Bharata Maharaj : Past karma carried in the subtle body can deviate us
Sukadeva Goswami states in SB 5.8.26 : "..........Due to the fruitive results of his past deeds, he fell down from mystic yoga, austerity and worship of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If it were not due to his past fruitive activity, how could he have been attracted to the deer after giving up the association of his own son and family, considering them stumbling blocks on the path of spiritual life? How could he show such uncontrollable affection for a deer? This was definitely due to his past karma."
When King Pracinabarhi inquires from Narada Muni about the transmigration of the soul Narada Muni explains how karma is carried by the subtle body during transmigration. In the new body the living entity gets a chance to fulfill his plans by the grace of the Supreme Lord. The living entity also suffers the good and bad reactions of his past life in the new body. The sinful reactions may also manifest in the form of desires not conducive for progress. This has been explained in great detail in this post:Liberation means getting out of the clutches of the subtle body..4.29.61 purport
If past karma could affect Bharat Maharaj in this way, causing him to deviate rom his practices what about all the past karma and desires we have. How powerful can they be? We are not even as pure as Bharata Maharaj who had left his family and kingdom to engage himself in achieveing the Ultimate goal.
When King Pracinabarhi inquires from Narada Muni about the transmigration of the soul Narada Muni explains how karma is carried by the subtle body during transmigration. In the new body the living entity gets a chance to fulfill his plans by the grace of the Supreme Lord. The living entity also suffers the good and bad reactions of his past life in the new body. The sinful reactions may also manifest in the form of desires not conducive for progress. This has been explained in great detail in this post:Liberation means getting out of the clutches of the subtle body..4.29.61 purport
If past karma could affect Bharat Maharaj in this way, causing him to deviate rom his practices what about all the past karma and desires we have. How powerful can they be? We are not even as pure as Bharata Maharaj who had left his family and kingdom to engage himself in achieveing the Ultimate goal.
- We need to be extremely careful of how we allow our desires to guide us. Association of devotees and sadhana is the safety net for this.
- We should also be extremely careful of what we expose ourselves now as that will manifest in the form of fesires or reactions in the future blocking our progress.
Razor's edge : Lessons from Bharat Maharaj
Maharaj Bharat had attained the stage of Bhava and had retired in the forest to attain the perfection of life- love for Krsna.However he got distracted by his compassion towards a deer calf.He got extremely attached to the deer and while caring for it , he negelected his own sadhana and feel to the position of a deer in his next birth.
One can fall even from the stage of bhava (albiet temporarily) if one neglects one's spiritual practices.Spiritual life is like a razor's edge. If we dont practice right we will lose all our spiritual credits and fall down. One small distraction can pull our mind away. The distraction maybe seemingly justified , however if it is taking us away from Krishna it is material.
Importance of association and sadhana:
Practicing great caution is absolutely necessary and sadhana should not be compromised at any cost.Maya came in the form of a deer to distract Bharat Maharaj- it may manifest in different forms for us. Unless we follow rigid sadhana and remain in association we will not be able to make the right judgement.
Material compassion:
Bharat Maharaj felt responsible towards the deer and took great care of it - to the extent that he thought it ok to compromise his spiritual practices to take care of the motherless deer. The compassion transformed to attachment and an eventual fall down from his position.
He states thus:
SB 5.8.10: Even though one is in the renounced order, one who is advanced certainly feels compassion for suffering living entities. One should certainly neglect his own personal interests, although they may be very important, to protect one who has surrendered.
This is how the mind can trick us. The mind can win when sadhana is compromised.
Srila Prabhupada states in this regard:
"by the grace of Kṛṣṇa, we may raise a person to spiritual consciousness if we ourselves follow the rules and regulations. If we give up our own spiritual activities and simply become concerned with the bodily comforts of others, we will fall into a dangerous position."
So many times in the name of preaching or cultivating someone we may find ourself in a situation similar to Bharat Maharaj. We may feel that the person is dependent only on us for their spiritual life and we need to go the extra mile to help them in their practice and personal problems. However we must realize that our time in the material world is at a premium - for services and our own upliftment .
If we have difficulty following SP's statement above then we need to examine our consciousness : Do we really desire to help this devotee ?How much time is needed here?
I cannot sustain myself if I dont do my sadhana right - I will not be able to help anyone.
Am I doing this on the platform of service or is it giving pleasure to my false ego?Am I really helping the devotee take shelter of Krishna- Am I right the person- Maybe I can connect them with a higher authority?
If we help the new devotee take shelter of Krishna through His Holy Names, take shelter of SP books and lectures we would be doing great service. Also if such attachment is cultivated the number of times the new devotee will need our help will reduce.
However we can encourage someone to cultivate such attachment only if we ourselves are similarly attached. This again goes back to SP's statement in bold above.
We should endeavor to raise people to Krishna Consciousness - thats is real compassion. This is possible by raising ourselves.
SP's powerful quotes in this pastime:
"Spiritual salvation and liberation from material bondage must be worked out with great caution, otherwise a little discrepancy will cause one to fall down again into material existence. ......... We should be compassionate by raising one from the material platform to the spiritual platform; otherwise at any moment our spiritual advancement may be spoiled, and we may fall down onto the material platform. Maharaj Bharat's compassion for the deer was the beginning of his falldown into the material world." SB 5.8.7
"we have to be very cautious in executing our spiritual duties by observing the rules and regulations and regularly chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. If we neglect doing this, we will eventually fall down. We must rise early in the morning. bathe, attend mańgala-ārati, worship the Deities, chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, study the Vedic literatures and follow all the rules prescribed by the ācāryas and the spiritual master. If we deviate from this process, we may fall down, even though we may be very highly advanced." SB 5.8.8
Sympathy towards bodily condition:
"if one does not know of the material sufferings of fallen souls and becomes sympathetic because of bodily comforts, as in the case of Bharat Maharaj, such sympathy or compassion is the cause of one's downfall. If one is actually sympathetic to fallen, suffering humanity, he should try to elevate people from material consciousness to spiritual consciousness." SB 5.8.9
Lastly:
"We should be very careful not to be misled by so-called welfare activities conducted in bodily, terms. One should not give up his interest in attaining the favor of Lord Viṣṇu at any cost. Generally people do not know this, or they forget it. " SB 5.8.10
One can fall even from the stage of bhava (albiet temporarily) if one neglects one's spiritual practices.Spiritual life is like a razor's edge. If we dont practice right we will lose all our spiritual credits and fall down. One small distraction can pull our mind away. The distraction maybe seemingly justified , however if it is taking us away from Krishna it is material.
Importance of association and sadhana:
Practicing great caution is absolutely necessary and sadhana should not be compromised at any cost.Maya came in the form of a deer to distract Bharat Maharaj- it may manifest in different forms for us. Unless we follow rigid sadhana and remain in association we will not be able to make the right judgement.
Material compassion:
Bharat Maharaj felt responsible towards the deer and took great care of it - to the extent that he thought it ok to compromise his spiritual practices to take care of the motherless deer. The compassion transformed to attachment and an eventual fall down from his position.
He states thus:
SB 5.8.10: Even though one is in the renounced order, one who is advanced certainly feels compassion for suffering living entities. One should certainly neglect his own personal interests, although they may be very important, to protect one who has surrendered.
This is how the mind can trick us. The mind can win when sadhana is compromised.
Srila Prabhupada states in this regard:
"by the grace of Kṛṣṇa, we may raise a person to spiritual consciousness if we ourselves follow the rules and regulations. If we give up our own spiritual activities and simply become concerned with the bodily comforts of others, we will fall into a dangerous position."
So many times in the name of preaching or cultivating someone we may find ourself in a situation similar to Bharat Maharaj. We may feel that the person is dependent only on us for their spiritual life and we need to go the extra mile to help them in their practice and personal problems. However we must realize that our time in the material world is at a premium - for services and our own upliftment .
If we have difficulty following SP's statement above then we need to examine our consciousness : Do we really desire to help this devotee ?How much time is needed here?
I cannot sustain myself if I dont do my sadhana right - I will not be able to help anyone.
Am I doing this on the platform of service or is it giving pleasure to my false ego?Am I really helping the devotee take shelter of Krishna- Am I right the person- Maybe I can connect them with a higher authority?
If we help the new devotee take shelter of Krishna through His Holy Names, take shelter of SP books and lectures we would be doing great service. Also if such attachment is cultivated the number of times the new devotee will need our help will reduce.
However we can encourage someone to cultivate such attachment only if we ourselves are similarly attached. This again goes back to SP's statement in bold above.
We should endeavor to raise people to Krishna Consciousness - thats is real compassion. This is possible by raising ourselves.
SP's powerful quotes in this pastime:
"Spiritual salvation and liberation from material bondage must be worked out with great caution, otherwise a little discrepancy will cause one to fall down again into material existence. ......... We should be compassionate by raising one from the material platform to the spiritual platform; otherwise at any moment our spiritual advancement may be spoiled, and we may fall down onto the material platform. Maharaj Bharat's compassion for the deer was the beginning of his falldown into the material world." SB 5.8.7
"we have to be very cautious in executing our spiritual duties by observing the rules and regulations and regularly chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. If we neglect doing this, we will eventually fall down. We must rise early in the morning. bathe, attend mańgala-ārati, worship the Deities, chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, study the Vedic literatures and follow all the rules prescribed by the ācāryas and the spiritual master. If we deviate from this process, we may fall down, even though we may be very highly advanced." SB 5.8.8
Sympathy towards bodily condition:
"if one does not know of the material sufferings of fallen souls and becomes sympathetic because of bodily comforts, as in the case of Bharat Maharaj, such sympathy or compassion is the cause of one's downfall. If one is actually sympathetic to fallen, suffering humanity, he should try to elevate people from material consciousness to spiritual consciousness." SB 5.8.9
Lastly:
"We should be very careful not to be misled by so-called welfare activities conducted in bodily, terms. One should not give up his interest in attaining the favor of Lord Viṣṇu at any cost. Generally people do not know this, or they forget it. " SB 5.8.10
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wife's encouragement necessary for execution of duties in grhastha ashram
From the purport to SB 5.1.23:
Maharaja Priyavrata, strictly maintained varnasrama-dharma by his extraordinary, unparalleled prowess.To maintain such a life of strict vigilance, one needs encouragement from his wife. In the varnasrama-dharma system, certain classes, such as the brahmanas and sannyasis, do not need encouragement from the opposite sex. Ksatriyas and grhasthas, however, actually need the encouragement of their wives in order to execute their duties. Indeed, a grhastha or ksatriya cannot properly execute his responsibilities without the association of his wife. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally admitted that a grhastha must live with a wife. Ksatriyas were even allowed to have many wives to encourage them in discharging the duties of government. The association of a good wife is necessary in a life of karma and political affairs. To execute his duties properly, therefore. Maharaja Priyavrata took advantage of his good wife Barhismati, who was always very expert in pleasing her great husband by properly dressing herself, smiling, and exhibiting her feminine bodily features. Queen Barhismati always kept Maharaja Priyavrata very encouraged, and thus he executed his governmental duty very properly. In this verse iva has twice been used to indicate that Maharaja Priyavrata acted exactly like a henpecked husband and thereby seemed to have lost his sense of human responsibility. Actually, however, he was fully conscious of his position as a spirit soul, although he seemingly behaved like an acquiescent karmi husband.
Maharaja Priyavrata, strictly maintained varnasrama-dharma by his extraordinary, unparalleled prowess.To maintain such a life of strict vigilance, one needs encouragement from his wife. In the varnasrama-dharma system, certain classes, such as the brahmanas and sannyasis, do not need encouragement from the opposite sex. Ksatriyas and grhasthas, however, actually need the encouragement of their wives in order to execute their duties. Indeed, a grhastha or ksatriya cannot properly execute his responsibilities without the association of his wife. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally admitted that a grhastha must live with a wife. Ksatriyas were even allowed to have many wives to encourage them in discharging the duties of government. The association of a good wife is necessary in a life of karma and political affairs. To execute his duties properly, therefore. Maharaja Priyavrata took advantage of his good wife Barhismati, who was always very expert in pleasing her great husband by properly dressing herself, smiling, and exhibiting her feminine bodily features. Queen Barhismati always kept Maharaja Priyavrata very encouraged, and thus he executed his governmental duty very properly. In this verse iva has twice been used to indicate that Maharaja Priyavrata acted exactly like a henpecked husband and thereby seemed to have lost his sense of human responsibility. Actually, however, he was fully conscious of his position as a spirit soul, although he seemingly behaved like an acquiescent karmi husband.
Importance of attachment to Krsna's Lotus feet in grhastha ashram
Maharaj Priyavrata was leading a life in the renounced order. He was instructed by Lord Brahma to take the service of ruling all the planetary systems. For doing so , he would have to leave the renounced order and accept a wife.Maharaj Priyavrata asked Lord Brahma if he will be diverted from the devotional service of the Lord by accepting the responsibility of ruling over of the world. Maharaj Pariksit also asked Sukadeva Maharaj how was it possbile for Priyavrata Maharaj to be in householder life and still achieve the topmost perfection of Krishna Consciousness.
This a plaguing question for most grhasthas as the ashram offers many material distractions.
How can one keep oneself protected when one is completely surrounded by debilitating material attractions?
Following is a summary of the answers provided by Sukadeva Goswami,Lord Brahma and Srila Prabhupada's purports in answer to these pertinent questions from the verses SB 5.1.1 -5.1.23.
SB 5.1.29: After Kavi, Mahavira and Savana were completely trained in the paramahamsa stage of life, Maharaja Priyavrata ruled the universe for eleven arbudas of years. Whenever he was determined to fix his arrow upon his bowstring with his two powerful arms, all opponents of the regulative principles of religious life would flee from his presence in fear of the unparalleled prowess he displayed in ruling the universe. He greatly loved his wife Barhismati, and with the increase of days, their exchange of nuptial love also increased. By her feminine behavior as she dressed herself, walked, got up, smiled, laughed, and glanced about, Queen Barhismati increased his energy. Thus although he was a great soul, he appeared lost in the feminine conduct of his wife. He behaved with her just like an ordinary man, but actually he was a great soul.
This a plaguing question for most grhasthas as the ashram offers many material distractions.
How can one keep oneself protected when one is completely surrounded by debilitating material attractions?
Following is a summary of the answers provided by Sukadeva Goswami,Lord Brahma and Srila Prabhupada's purports in answer to these pertinent questions from the verses SB 5.1.1 -5.1.23.
- Experience bliss in the Lord's shelter : Those who have taken shelter of the Lord's lotus feet are under His cool shade ,experiencing complete bliss and are protected from the anxieties of the material world.They are completely satisfied and blissful. Thus they have no attraction and attachment for the material world.param drstva nivartate: one gives up lower engagements when he experiences a higher taste. Thus one becomes detached from family life as soon as he comes under the shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord. Ref SB 5.1.4
- Mind and senses automatically conquered in the Lord's shelter:When a bumblebee enters the opening of a lotus flower and drinks its honey, it is fully protected by the petals of the lotus. The bee is undisturbed by sunshine and other external influences. Similarly, one who always seeks shelter at the lotus feet of the personality of Godhead is protected from all dangers - the urges of the mind and senses.Our actual duty is to carry out the supreme order of the Personality of Godhead. If we are fixed in our determination to carry out the supreme order of the Lord, we are always secure, regardless of where we are situated, whether in hell or in heaven.Ref SB 5.1.19
- Following strictly rules and regulations of Sadhana Bhakti: Householder life affords one a chance to either go back to Godhead or get entangled in frutive material enjoyment. If one follows rigid sadhana and the rules and regulations of sadhana bhakti under guidance of Spiritual Master one can use householder life as a vehicle to get blessed with love for Krishna.Lord Brahma indicated that since Maharaj Priyavrata followed a high standard of renunciation, austerity, penance and devotion he would not be deviated from devotional service, even though he would accept household life. Ref SB 5.1.10
- Krpa siddhi:By the blessings of the spiritual master and senior devotees one can achieve anything.Our attitude and following of the practice should be such that it can attract such blessings. By Narada Muni's and Lord Brahma's blessings it will be possible for Maharaj Priyavrata to be in houshold life yet in complete KC. Ref SB 5.1.10
- Yuktam vairagya: SP quotes the sloka anasktasya visyana .... and states "Visayan, material affairs, should be accepted without attachment. and everything should be dovetailed with the service of the Lord. That is real intelligence (manisa). Becoming a family man or king in the material world is not harmful if one accepts everything for Krsna's service. That necessitates clear intelligence. "Ref SB 5.1.12
- Follow instructions of spiritual master:By following the instructions of Lord Brahma and Narada Muni Maharaj Priyavrata performed the worldly affairs but was always engaged in thought of the Lotus Feet of the Lord.He did so to honor the orders of his superiors. If we just follow the instructions of the spiritual master properly we will also be protected from material desires and will be able to constantly think of Krishna's lotus feet. The spiritual master is providing us with so much help and mercy we just have to access it - by following his orders. Ref SB 5.1.23
SB 5.1.29: After Kavi, Mahavira and Savana were completely trained in the paramahamsa stage of life, Maharaja Priyavrata ruled the universe for eleven arbudas of years. Whenever he was determined to fix his arrow upon his bowstring with his two powerful arms, all opponents of the regulative principles of religious life would flee from his presence in fear of the unparalleled prowess he displayed in ruling the universe. He greatly loved his wife Barhismati, and with the increase of days, their exchange of nuptial love also increased. By her feminine behavior as she dressed herself, walked, got up, smiled, laughed, and glanced about, Queen Barhismati increased his energy. Thus although he was a great soul, he appeared lost in the feminine conduct of his wife. He behaved with her just like an ordinary man, but actually he was a great soul.
Svayambhuva Manu's happiness in giving his responsibilities to his son
SB 5.1.22: Svayambhuva Manu, with the assistance of Lord Brahma, thus fulfilled his desires. With the permission of the great sage Narada, he delivered to his son the governmental responsibility for maintaining and protecting all the planets of the universe. He thus achieved relief from the most dangerous, poisonous ocean of material desires.
Svayambhuva Manu took great satisfaction from abnegating the responsibility for ruling all the planetary systems of the universe. King Priyavrata had to be persuaded by Lord Brahma to accept the post of emperor of the entire universe. His father, Svayambhuva Manu, felt relieved to entrust the universal government to Priyavrata.
In the vedic culture one did their duty only for the purpose of satisfying the Supreme.When it was time to accept another duty they could very easily leave their current duty in the hands of someone else as they were not attached to the duty and its fruits , but attached to pleasing the Supreme.
Svayambhuva Manu took great satisfaction from abnegating the responsibility for ruling all the planetary systems of the universe. King Priyavrata had to be persuaded by Lord Brahma to accept the post of emperor of the entire universe. His father, Svayambhuva Manu, felt relieved to entrust the universal government to Priyavrata.
In the vedic culture one did their duty only for the purpose of satisfying the Supreme.When it was time to accept another duty they could very easily leave their current duty in the hands of someone else as they were not attached to the duty and its fruits , but attached to pleasing the Supreme.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Handling disagreements without resentment
Narada Muni had been instructing Maharaj Priyavrata in the details of renounced life. Lord Brahma instructs Maharaj Priyavrata to accept household life and responsibilities of ruling over the planet and give up the renounced order.
Narada Muni and Maharaj Priyavrata did not feel any resentment with this happening as they are not attached to their opinion. They were only attached to what is good for the service of the Lord and thus bore no resentment in their heart and offered due respect to Lord Brahma.They both saw Lord Brahma as their superior and as one who was carrying out the service of the Lord.
SB 5.1.21: Lord Brahmā was then worshiped by Manu, who respectfully satisfied him as well as he could. Priyavrata and Nārada also looked upon Brahmā with no tinges of resentment. Having engaged Priyavrata in accepting his father's request, Lord Brahmā returned to his abode, Satyaloka, which is indescribable by the endeavor of mundane mind or words.
To not feel resentment when being advised by two different authorities especially when one direction maybe different from the longing of our heart:
Narada Muni and Maharaj Priyavrata did not feel any resentment with this happening as they are not attached to their opinion. They were only attached to what is good for the service of the Lord and thus bore no resentment in their heart and offered due respect to Lord Brahma.They both saw Lord Brahma as their superior and as one who was carrying out the service of the Lord.
SB 5.1.21: Lord Brahmā was then worshiped by Manu, who respectfully satisfied him as well as he could. Priyavrata and Nārada also looked upon Brahmā with no tinges of resentment. Having engaged Priyavrata in accepting his father's request, Lord Brahmā returned to his abode, Satyaloka, which is indescribable by the endeavor of mundane mind or words.
To not feel resentment when being advised by two different authorities especially when one direction maybe different from the longing of our heart:
- When we are being guided by two different devotees , who are both representatives of the Lord our attitude should be to neglect neither of them and to use our intelligence to follow the advise of both. Apparently Maharaj Priyavrata was being inspired in different ways by Narada Muni and Lord Brahma. SP write in the purport to SB 5.1.12 that "Priyavrata should neglect neither of them but should use his intelligence to follow the advice of both".
- He then elaborates to explains "material affairs, should be accepted without attachment. and everything should be dovetailed with the service of the Lord."
- Thus our goal should be service in KC, if that is in place we will not have any resentment with following authority.
- Maharaj Priyavrata as an ideal disciple left his personal desires aside at the call of service.
- However if we do feel resentment, a thorough examination of our consciousness will reveal to us our attachments and that are services are still on the material platform.
- This can be learned from Narada Muni's example.
- He did not feel any resentment in his heart as he saw Lord Brahma's instruction in line with service to the Lord.
- The instruction maybe apparently different but at the core it is in line with service to the Lord - the goal of all instructions.
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