| Weekly | Gaudya Vaishnavism | Authentic Meditation | Sacred Initiation | Guru | Life-Style | Purification | Dharma | Karma | Bhakti |
| Home | Philosophy | Vegetarianism | Reincarnation | Secrets | Vedic Literature | Ekadasi | Links | Contact Us | Donations |
| Vaisnava Etiquette |
It is stated that etiquette is the ornament of a Vaisnava. What does this mean? Is etiquette something only
external or optional? We could draw an analogy: Is it possible to be wealthy, but have no riches? Or what is the
value of wealth if one uses no costly ornaments? Generally, one will decorate himself according to the degree of
his wealth. If one is very rich, he will be adorned with only the finest of ornaments and accessories. Similarly, for
one who is profound in his Krishna consciousness, the jewels of Vaisnava etiquette will naturally grace all of his
dealings and activities. The characteristics of a devotee are always sublimely manifest in all of his actions. The
depth of a Vaisnava is judged by his symptoms. The true devotee will therefore adorn himself unsparingly with
the decorum of a Vaisnava in all respects.
external or optional? We could draw an analogy: Is it possible to be wealthy, but have no riches? Or what is the
value of wealth if one uses no costly ornaments? Generally, one will decorate himself according to the degree of
his wealth. If one is very rich, he will be adorned with only the finest of ornaments and accessories. Similarly, for
one who is profound in his Krishna consciousness, the jewels of Vaisnava etiquette will naturally grace all of his
dealings and activities. The characteristics of a devotee are always sublimely manifest in all of his actions. The
depth of a Vaisnava is judged by his symptoms. The true devotee will therefore adorn himself unsparingly with
the decorum of a Vaisnava in all respects.
| Manual of Vaisnava Etiquette Compiled Scriptural References |
Lord Gauranga says in the Caitanya Caritamrta that the observance of Vaisnava etiquette is
an ornament, which makes a devotee beautiful and attractive in the eyes of God and in the
eyes of the world. It is therefore very important for all the devotees of the Lord to be well
versed in the matters in such etiquette and lifestyle. This work is made possible by the
special interest of H.H. Swami Radhanatha Maharaja.
93 pages 700 KB
an ornament, which makes a devotee beautiful and attractive in the eyes of God and in the
eyes of the world. It is therefore very important for all the devotees of the Lord to be well
versed in the matters in such etiquette and lifestyle. This work is made possible by the
special interest of H.H. Swami Radhanatha Maharaja.
93 pages 700 KB
Accepting the identity of a Vaisnava necessitates a certain standard of behavior or etiquette. Vaisnava etiquette
facilitates Krishna consciousness. It provides the criteria, the protocol, by which a devotee can act properly in
every situation. In the Bhagavad-gita (6.24 purport), quoting from verse 3 of the Upadesamrta, Shrila
Prabhupada roughly paraphrases one of the items favorable for development of devotional service as, "by
engaging completely in activities of goodness." Practicing Vaisnava etiquette means always acting in the mode of
goodness, which is a stepping-stone to the transcendental plane. The mode of goodness is conducive to
self-realization, whereas ignorance and passion are not. Therefore, how one applies the principles of Vaisnava
etiquette reflects whether a devotee is Krishna conscious or not: Is he humble? conscientious? well-mannered?
disciplined? cultured? sensitive? Someone who is actually a devotee will be known by how much he displays the
good qualities:
1. The consciousness of a devotee is manifested by his actions.
2. If one has any depth of realization, the jewels of Vaisnava behavior will naturally pace all of his dealings and
activities.
3. We need to be aware that the vast majority of our exchanges are with devotees and the innocent public.
Aparadha is the only real stumbling block in spiritual life. We must become fearful of committing offence. This
awareness will give sobriety and gravity to our behavior. We will naturally become humble, Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu will become pleased, and we will make advancement without serious obstruction.
4. Srila Prabhupada's reputation depends on our behavior. In his compassion he lifted us up from very degraded
backgrounds. He was even criticized by the less intelligent in India for doing so. In order to maintain Srila
Prabhupada's good name our behavior should be very exemplary.
TOP
facilitates Krishna consciousness. It provides the criteria, the protocol, by which a devotee can act properly in
every situation. In the Bhagavad-gita (6.24 purport), quoting from verse 3 of the Upadesamrta, Shrila
Prabhupada roughly paraphrases one of the items favorable for development of devotional service as, "by
engaging completely in activities of goodness." Practicing Vaisnava etiquette means always acting in the mode of
goodness, which is a stepping-stone to the transcendental plane. The mode of goodness is conducive to
self-realization, whereas ignorance and passion are not. Therefore, how one applies the principles of Vaisnava
etiquette reflects whether a devotee is Krishna conscious or not: Is he humble? conscientious? well-mannered?
disciplined? cultured? sensitive? Someone who is actually a devotee will be known by how much he displays the
good qualities:
1. The consciousness of a devotee is manifested by his actions.
2. If one has any depth of realization, the jewels of Vaisnava behavior will naturally pace all of his dealings and
activities.
3. We need to be aware that the vast majority of our exchanges are with devotees and the innocent public.
Aparadha is the only real stumbling block in spiritual life. We must become fearful of committing offence. This
awareness will give sobriety and gravity to our behavior. We will naturally become humble, Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu will become pleased, and we will make advancement without serious obstruction.
4. Srila Prabhupada's reputation depends on our behavior. In his compassion he lifted us up from very degraded
backgrounds. He was even criticized by the less intelligent in India for doing so. In order to maintain Srila
Prabhupada's good name our behavior should be very exemplary.
TOP
