Devotional Principles
After wandering in this material world for many lifetimes, by the mercy of guru
and Krsna, the seed of devotion is awakened within our heart. The process starts
with a little faith (adau sraddha) and this faith leads us to seek answers
(pariprasna) and the association of devotees (sadhu-sanga), those who are
practitioners of the devotional process. The cultivation of this seed of the
creeper of devotion is the substance of our devotional life.
brahmanda bhramite kona bhagyavan jiva
guru-krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija
mali hana kare sei bija aropana
sravana-kirtana-jale karaye secana
"According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the
entire universe. By the mercy of both Krsna and the spiritual master, such a
person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service. When a person
receives the seed of devotional service, he should take care of it by becoming a
gardener and sowing the seed in his heart. If he waters the seed gradually by
the process of sravana and kirtana [hearing and chanting], the seed will begin
to sprout." (Cc. Madhya 19-151-2)
Just like a tender new plant, we must nurture this creeper carefully so that it
will grow. Water, fertilizer and avoidance of harsh conditions or treatment,
such as bad soil, being stepped on and being crowded out by weeds, ensure the
healthy growth of a plant. The devotional creeper is similar, its healthy growth
is assured by following carefully the positive practices of bhakti and avoiding
certain negative aspects.
These verses imply the gradual and healthy growth of the creeper — if the
process of devotion is followed properly, then bhakti will thrive. The positive
aspects of devotional life (yama) are to first find a guru (gurupadasrayas
tasmad), follow his instructions and thereby serve the guru and devotees, and
engage in daily devotional practices, such as chanting the Holy Names of Krsna
on beads, associating with devotees and regularly hearing about the Lord from
the devotional scriptures (nityam bhagavata-sevaya).
The negative aspect (niyama) requires that one avoid activities unfavorable to
devotional service, such as meat eating, intoxication, illicit sex and gambling.
Other unfavorable activities to be avoided are association with those not
interested in devotion (asat sanga tyaga), avoiding offenses to devotees, the
Lord, His Name and anything related to the Lord or His devotees.
An offense to a devotee is the most detrimental activity one can have in
devotional life. Such an offense is called the mad elephant offense (hati-mata)
because of the great harm it does to our devotional creeper, like an elephant
trampling a garden. If we unfortunately make such an offense, but we are
remorseful and understand that we have made an offense, then it is not difficult
to rectify. The only remedy for an offense to another devotee is to sincerely
apologize and beg forgiveness from the very devotee whom we have offended. The
key is sincerity, for as we know well, no one appreciates an insincere apology.
It is also necessary to overcome our pride and admit our mistakes, for pride
(pratistha) is perhaps our greatest enemy. Humility, pridelessness and tolerance
are most important qualities for a Vaisnava and are said to be the ornaments of
a true devotee (sadhavah sadhu-bhusanah). Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has stated
that humility is one of the most important qualifications for chanting the
Lord’s Holy Name — trnad api sunicena (Siksastakam 3). As soon as one
surrenders to Krsna, giving up all other activities, one is immediately
considered to be a liberated soul — jivan-muktah sa ucyate (Brs. 1.2.187).
and Krsna, the seed of devotion is awakened within our heart. The process starts
with a little faith (adau sraddha) and this faith leads us to seek answers
(pariprasna) and the association of devotees (sadhu-sanga), those who are
practitioners of the devotional process. The cultivation of this seed of the
creeper of devotion is the substance of our devotional life.
brahmanda bhramite kona bhagyavan jiva
guru-krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija
mali hana kare sei bija aropana
sravana-kirtana-jale karaye secana
"According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the
entire universe. By the mercy of both Krsna and the spiritual master, such a
person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service. When a person
receives the seed of devotional service, he should take care of it by becoming a
gardener and sowing the seed in his heart. If he waters the seed gradually by
the process of sravana and kirtana [hearing and chanting], the seed will begin
to sprout." (Cc. Madhya 19-151-2)
Just like a tender new plant, we must nurture this creeper carefully so that it
will grow. Water, fertilizer and avoidance of harsh conditions or treatment,
such as bad soil, being stepped on and being crowded out by weeds, ensure the
healthy growth of a plant. The devotional creeper is similar, its healthy growth
is assured by following carefully the positive practices of bhakti and avoiding
certain negative aspects.
These verses imply the gradual and healthy growth of the creeper — if the
process of devotion is followed properly, then bhakti will thrive. The positive
aspects of devotional life (yama) are to first find a guru (gurupadasrayas
tasmad), follow his instructions and thereby serve the guru and devotees, and
engage in daily devotional practices, such as chanting the Holy Names of Krsna
on beads, associating with devotees and regularly hearing about the Lord from
the devotional scriptures (nityam bhagavata-sevaya).
The negative aspect (niyama) requires that one avoid activities unfavorable to
devotional service, such as meat eating, intoxication, illicit sex and gambling.
Other unfavorable activities to be avoided are association with those not
interested in devotion (asat sanga tyaga), avoiding offenses to devotees, the
Lord, His Name and anything related to the Lord or His devotees.
An offense to a devotee is the most detrimental activity one can have in
devotional life. Such an offense is called the mad elephant offense (hati-mata)
because of the great harm it does to our devotional creeper, like an elephant
trampling a garden. If we unfortunately make such an offense, but we are
remorseful and understand that we have made an offense, then it is not difficult
to rectify. The only remedy for an offense to another devotee is to sincerely
apologize and beg forgiveness from the very devotee whom we have offended. The
key is sincerity, for as we know well, no one appreciates an insincere apology.
It is also necessary to overcome our pride and admit our mistakes, for pride
(pratistha) is perhaps our greatest enemy. Humility, pridelessness and tolerance
are most important qualities for a Vaisnava and are said to be the ornaments of
a true devotee (sadhavah sadhu-bhusanah). Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has stated
that humility is one of the most important qualifications for chanting the
Lord’s Holy Name — trnad api sunicena (Siksastakam 3). As soon as one
surrenders to Krsna, giving up all other activities, one is immediately
considered to be a liberated soul — jivan-muktah sa ucyate (Brs. 1.2.187).
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