Words of thought from Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

[Guest guest]

What is the difference between Vaisnavas and Hindus?

 

Staunch atheists like Carvaka were Hindus but not Vaisnavas. We are Vaisnava

Hindus, not simply Hindus. In other words, we are Hindus by nationality, but

not by religion. In the same way, worshipable personalities like Haridasa

Thakura were not Hindus but Vaisnavas worshipable by all. According to the

purport of the Vedic literature, Sriman Mahaprabhu has instructed that

people of all castes are eligible to practice Vaisnava dharma.

(Sajjana Tosani 2/10 11)

 

What is the fate of those who, despite following the Vaisnava religion,

remain entangled in the concept of regulative principles?

 

Vaisnava principles are so unlimitedly exalted that those who simply remain

entangled in the regulative process without endeavoring to understand the

science of attachment (raga) are comparable to ordinary fruitive workers.

(Krsna Samhita 8/20)

 

How should one handle an unreasonable instruction given by the spiritual

master? Should he disobey it?

 

It is not that we should follow the spiritual master's instructions if they

are unreasonable. At the same time, we should not express hatred toward our

spiritual master through harsh words or insulting behavior. Rather, we

should try to check our spiritual master from imparting unreasonable

instructions by sweet words, humility, and by humbly reminding him about his

conduct and instruction at an appropriate time.

(Caitanya-Siksamrta 2/2)

 

Is it reasonable to cause quarrel in foreign countries simply to establish

the philosophy taught by one's own spiritual master?

 

If even to develop one's own firm faith, one accepts that the teachings of

the acaryas of his own country are better than the teachings of acaryas from

other countries, one should not preach such a quarrelsome and controversial

doctrine. No auspiciousness results from this.

(Caitanya-Siksamrta, 1/1)