Radhanath Swami on Strict Spirituality

The illusory power of the Lord is very powerful and all pervading. And if we are not very careful, if we are not very strict in our spiritual practice, it is dangerous. Being strict in our spiritual practice is very important but being very strict is also very dangerous. Because if we are more strict than others then we start becoming a victim to pride: “I have done so much! I practice such austerities. I am very exalted. How can someone else get more respect than me, impossible, intolerable! He is a pretender. Did you hear what he did?" So, If we are not very strict in our spiritual practices then our mind will be swept away by illusion. Strictness is a pre-requisite. But that is not enough, we should be careful that this doesn't make us proud. Therefore we have to be very strict in our practices and at the same time we have to cultivate humble service to the community. It is when we accept the position of humble servant to the devotees and give all credit to them expecting none in return as an austerity, that we will be protected from these tendencies. Strictness means tenacious adherence to the order of the spiritual master. That will protect us from the weakness of our mind and heart. No amount of temptations or provocations can agitate us. But the illusory power of the Lord can still attack us if we have envy towards someone. We can be tricked into giving information about that person to his worst enemy under the justification that we are only trying to help him! If we actually want to help we should tell one who we are convinced has no malice or envy, and who is really a well wisher of that person. And not tell anybody else. That is called love. That is called trust. And that is going to help the person.