epistemology and hermeneutics

[Guest guest]

> >The fact is that first we have to deserve, then desire.

>

> Actually we do not deserve any thing. That is why it is called causeless

> mercy. We have to sincerely desire for the *undeserved* causeless mercy.

> Our contribution is only sincerety. Everything (GURU, SADHU, SHASTRA)

> else is provided by Krishna.

 

Yes indeed, again you are right. I meant deserve in the sense that we need

to recognise our helplessness, and actualy cultivate the desire to obtain

much needed help. I once saw a sign in a psychologists office that read;

'The help I need most is help in understanding that I need help'. It is a

fact that we are the most fallen, but sometimes we might think 'although it

is true that I am very fallen, I am fortunate now in that I have made some

advancement in Krsna consciousness, I have been around for many years, and

people respect me' or words to that effect. If we think like that then we do

not recognise our fallen position, and pride creeps in. Bhaktivinoda Thakurs

songs, are a pertinent reminder of the actual feelings of a pure devotee.

 

Sometimes the tendency is there to think that we are advancing by our own

strength, but we should remember that we can actualy do nothing, we are a

tiny jiva, helplessly being carried away by the tides of maya. All we can

factualy do is desire, and if we cultivate the right desire, we can catch

the Lords attention, He does the rest.

 

I heard that Srila Gour Govinda Swami would make the point that we should

think; 'if all the names of all the people in the world were put in a list,

my name should be the last'.

 

> >Harmonist

>

> Yes, in the harmonist it is very clearly said, as long as the dupes and

> their under dupes are there in the society of devotees it is a big

> problem.

 

Its a great quote isn't it, 'the mutual adoration society of dupes and under

dupes' very descriptive!

 

Your servant

Samba das