questions

[Guest guest]

The rule of this conference is that one text, one question, and don't

bombard me with questions. However, since your questions are simple, I

will make an exception here.

 

 

> 1. What is the difference between an installed and a non-installed

> Deity (like Those of the grhasta home), besides the ritual and the

> own conciousness?

>

 

Depends. If they are Gaur Nitai deities and you regularly do kirtan

in front of Them and worship Them then there is no difference since

one can install GN deities with kirtan alone. If They are other

deities then one has to properly install them before worshiping them

and then also there has to be proper worship of a very high standard

as well. Usually installed deities reciprocate with the worship and

prayers offered to Them whereas uninstalled deities do not. Installed

deities accept the worship and reciprocate whereas uninstalled may or

may not accept the worship and may or may not reciprocate depending on

the spiritual consciousness of the worshiper and, of course, the sweet

will of the Lord.

 

> 2. The other day we came to know about an christian hermit that left

> all his possesions and is living a life of austerity (including

> flagellation and so on). The question is how it is possible that a

> person like that, so commited and serious in his spiritual life,

> Krishna is not revealing to him Krishna conciousness?

>

 

Austerity is not the only means to attract Krsna. In fact, it may not

even be acceptable as a means to worship Krsna, especially if one

performs austerity while harming the body and the Supersoul within.

One can be very austere like the Mayavadi sannyasis, but still have no

connection to Krsna at all. Our movement practices love of Krsna, and

austerity is accepted in the form of our regulative principles and

also whatever is needed to be done in order to fulfil the orders and

mission of Srila Prabhupada. This is yukta vairagya, or renunciation

and austerity for the satisfaction of Krsna. It is far different from

the ordinary austerities of those who are ignorant of how to satisfy

Krsna by using their bodies in His service. Our bodies are meant for

His service and it is not right that we cause them suffering simply

for the sake of getting some rewards for our austerity.

 

> 3.And, how is possible that a person without the supreme knowledge

> of Krishna conciousness can be more detached of material things and

> austere that for example some of us, many times looking for material

> comfort?

 

Again, the mayavadi sannyasis of former times were very austere, and

some still are. Then again, Pundarika Vidyanidhi was a rich man who

had many comforts of life, yet he was a maha bhagavata. However, your

question was about the devotee who is still eager for material

comforts, and yes, it is a fact that Krsna will supply one with

comforts if that is why one worships Krsna. He is very kind.

However, it is a fact that one who is detached from this material

world and who surrenders everything to the lotus feet of the Lord is

certainly more dear to the Lord than one who worships Him with

material desires.

 

Simple detachment from the world can also be seen in the lives of

impersonalists or Buddhists. Thus it can be understood that simple

detachment, or even knowledge, are not the causes of bhakti, rather,

bhakti is the cause of knowledge and detachment. See the Translation

and purport of the verse 'vasudeve bhagavti bhakti yoga prayojitah SB

1st canto.