Inquiries into the Absolute: Digest 73

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Digest 73, November 25th, 2003

Answers by His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaja

*** You are welcome to send in your questions to HH Romapada Swami at

iskcon_dc with the word "Question" in the subject. The previous

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On dealings with devotees

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Q. What should be done when a devotee can't help himself from disliking

another devotee?

 

Ans.

Likes and dislikes of the material world are based on a bodily or an

external conception of life. When considered carefully, we can see

that one's dislike of another has hardly anything to do with the other

individual's soul proper, but is due to some external aspect of their

life only. By understanding this and by practicing to see everyone as

spirit soul, with Krishna seated in their heart, we can learn to respect

everyone and overcome aversion or hatred.

 

Specifically in the case of devotees, not only are they pure spirit

souls distinct from the soul's covering, but they are very special

and rare souls who have taken to devotional service. We may be unable

to immediately transcend all our likes and dislikes and come to the

point of loving exchanges with that devotee, but our dealings and

feelings towards the other devotee should minimally be one of respect.

Putting aside the external aspects of a devotee that one may have

difficulty adjusting to, keep in mind how dear they are to Krishna

because of the offerings of service they are rendering to Him; with

this appreciation we can offer them all respects. Harboring ill

feelings toward a devotee is simply harmful to our own relationship

with Krishna.

 

Offering obeisances, trying to focus and express appreciation for some

of their good qualities (every person has at least some good qualities!)

and when possible taking the opportunity to render some direct and

humble service to them --- these are some positive and potent ways

of dissolving negative feelings of the heart.

 

Meanwhile, as we continue to diligently purify our own hearts by the

practice of devotional service, we can come to a higher stage where

we may begin to genuinely appreciate their true nature. Through passage

of time, the other devotee, also having taken shelter of the all-

purifying process of bhakti, may have become a transformed person

altogether, as well! Let our prayers be for both outcomes to come

to pass, by contact with Krishna's all-merciful devotional service!

 

 

 

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----- Festivals over the next week ------

Nov 28 2003, Friday Odana sasthi

 

*** NOTE: All times are for Washington D.C, USA, EST ***

For festival information for your city please go to http://www.iskcondc.org and

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** A brief biography of His Holiness Romapada Swami available at

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