Guest guest Posted April 5, 2000 Report Share Posted April 5, 2000 The following is a summary of the characteristics of a true disciple, as found in Hari Bhakti Vilasa. He should be truthful. He should be gentle and polite. He should be pleasing to look at. He should be spotless in conduct. He should be intelligent. He should be in control of his senses. He should show proper respect to elders, to initiated Vaisnavas and to the Lord. He should observe silence concerning material subjects. He should have not attraction for committing sinful activities. He should be desirous of knowing the absolute truth. He should be devoted to the lotus feet of guru. He should be engaged day and night in the Lord's service with body, mind and words. He should be fully capable of upholding vows made to the spiritual master. The true disciple should not possess the following characteristics. He should not be lazy, dirty, or sickly. He should not be continually afflicted or lamenting. He should not be angry, proud, or lusty. He should not covet material desires. He should not show the enjoying spirit. He should not be miserly, malicious, devious or envious. He should not give pain to others, or be addicted to cruel activities. He should not use vulgar or coarse language. He should not indulge in illicit sex. He should not be constantly critical of others. He should not earn his living by unjust means. He should not be proud of material learning. He should not be ignorant. He should not indulge in other philosophies. He should not be addicted to over-eating. He should not indulge in sinful activities such as taking meat, intoxication, gambling or illicit sex. The person who cannot give up his bad habits and cannot follow the instructions of guru is not qualified as a disciple. Though a person may be devoid of the qualities mentioned above, if he is devoted to guru and the Supreme Lord, he can become purified and eventually become a suitable candidate for initiation through performance of devotional activities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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