Tuesday, June 26, 2012

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.

34 comments:

  1. Superb realization and wonderful advice. Thank you.

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  2. Arjun K RamachandraJune 26, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    What can be a better definition of strictness than the one Radhanath Swami mentions here "Strictness means tenacious adherence to the order of the spiritual master"

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  3. Arjun K RamachandraJune 27, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    Perfect balance struck by Radhanah Swami here between dangers of strictness and leniency.

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  4. A very systematic and comprehensive lesson on strictness in spirituality by Radhanath Swami.

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  5. Thank you for telling importance of strictness and same time to become humble to avoid Pride.

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  6. Strictness means tenacious adherence to the order of the spiritual master

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  7. What a Balance formula given by Radhanath swamiji.

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  8. very nice article.. to be strict and humble we need to be under guidance.

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  9. Yes, pride can destroy anyone even who had attain the most highest consciousness.

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  10. Radhanath Swami Maharaj gives us the deepest philosophy!

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  11. "Strictness means tenacious adherence to the order of the spiritual master." What a beautiful advice?

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  12. Thank you very much for sharing this wisdom from Radhanath Swami.

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  13. Radhanath Swami Maharaj gives the formula for success in spirituality.

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  14. So much to learn from this article.

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  15. Very instyructuive article.....thanks

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  16. Very important and instructive lesson through this message. All glories to HH radhanatha Swami Maharaja.

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  17. Thank you for this article.

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  18. Inspiring blog!

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  19. Very nice article by Radhanath Swami Maharaj ! Hare Krsna !

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  20. Maharaj always quotes that in devotional service we should be serious, sincere and without any ulterior motive thank you Maharaj

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  21. Radhanath Swami gives the perfect formula & secret to sense control: "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."

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  22. Enlightening message.

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  23. Very true, Strictness is very imp as Maharaj explained. Only if we are strict then we can protect ourselves from illusiory energy of Lord.

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  24. Thank you Radhanath Maharaj for giving this superb explanation on the importance of being strict in our spiritual practices and yet remain humble through service to devotees.

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  25. Thank you Radhanath Maharaj for such wonderful article.hare Krsna !

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  26. What a beautiful specification of the contrast between strictness and humble service....

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  27. Thank you.Very nice article.Hare Krsna !

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  28. Wonderfully explained point on pride!

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  29. Maharaj always used to quotes that we should be always sincere , serious and without any ulterior motive in perforing our devotional service

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  30. Strictness means tenacious adherence to the order of the spiritual master

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