Beyond Sentiment - The Practical Compassion of Devotees of God
Compassion is often viewed as a soft, emotional response, but in the life of a transcendentalist, it is a rigorous principle of action. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the compassion of a devotee of God is a manifestation of their self-realized nature. It is a quality that remains steady even in the face of personal injury or political upheaval. This article delves into historical examples of this virtue, contrasting material attachment with the spiritual empathy that drives the ācāryas and pure devotees to sacrifice their own comfort for the enlightenment of the world.
Arjuna’s Compassion and Kṛṣṇa’s Correction
On the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra, Arjuna exhibited a natural compassion for his family and community, which manifested in physical symptoms like quivering limbs and tears. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while this appeared to be a "nice gentlemanly" quality, Lord Kṛṣṇa described it as an "uncalled-for plea for compassion" that was befitting a non-Aryan. Kṛṣṇa did not approve of this sentiment because it caused Arjuna to deviate from his prescribed duty. This historical incident serves as a primary lesson: the compassion of devotees of God must be grounded in the soul's interest rather than bodily relations, as deviation from duty does not help in spiritual progress.
- Arjuna, just after seeing his kinsmen, friends and relatives on the battlefield, was at once overwhelmed by compassion for them who had so decided to fight amongst themselves.
- As far as his (Arjuna's) soldiers were concerned, he was sympathetic from the beginning, but he felt compassion even for the soldiers of the opposite party, foreseeing their imminent death.
- Lord Krsna was astonished in the beginning at Arjuna's uncalled-for plea for compassion, and He described his compassion as befitting the non-Aryans.
- Deviation from duty does not help one in the progress of spiritual life, nor does it even give one the opportunity to become famous in this world. Lord Krsna did not approve of the so-called compassion of Arjuna for his kinsmen.
Compassionate Conduct of Vidura and Parīkṣit
Historical figures like Vidura and Maharaja Parīkṣit illustrate how the compassion of a devotee of God functions in times of crisis. Vidura, unable to stand the distress of the Pāṇḍavas, refrained from disclosing unpalatable news about the annihilation of the Yadu dynasty. Similarly, Maharaja Parīkṣit, out of respect for the brāhmaṇa community and compassion for the conditioned souls, accepted his death sentence without counteracting it, using his final days to facilitate the speaking of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. These great souls were not exploited by their followers but were confidential servitors whose hearts were full of compassion for humanity in its suffering.
- Compassionate Mahatma Vidura could not stand to see the Pandavas distressed at any time. Therefore he did not disclose this unpalatable and unbearable incident (the annihilation of the Yadu dynasty) because calamities come of their own accord.
- Pariksit Maharaja was a Vaisnava (devotee), and a Vaisnava always feels compassion for others' distress. For instance, when Lord Jesus Christ appeared, he was greatly aggrieved by the miserable conditions of the people.
- Pariksit Maharaja, being compassionate toward the conditioned souls suffering in hellish life, suggested that Sukadeva Gosvami continue describing the path of liberation.
- Serious interest in the welfare of the public makes one a bona fide acarya. An acarya does not exploit his followers. Since the acarya is a confidential servitor of the Lord, his heart is always full of compassion for humanity in its suffering.
Compassion Toward the Innocent and Offensive
The compassion of devotees of God extends even to those who may be offensive or completely ignorant. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that a saintly person does not take the offenses of materialists seriously, recognizing that they are bewildered by illusory energy. This quality is seen in Prahlāda Mahārāja, who refused to seek salvation alone, wanting instead to deliver the "fools" who work only for sense gratification. Furthermore, a devotee should exhibit compassion toward the innocent—those who are neither atheistic nor advanced—by distributing prasāda and helping them free themselves from the clutches of māyā.
- If in some places materialists, who are already bewildered by the insurmountable illusory energy of the Supreme Godhead, sometimes commit offenses, a saintly person, with compassion, does not take this seriously.
- Prahlada has compassion for such people (who are unnecessarily working so hard simply for the gratification of the senses): naitan vihaya krpanan vimumuksa eko. My Lord, I do not need salvation alone. Unless I take all these fools with me, I shall not go.
- A devotee should have compassion for persons who are innocent, who are neither atheistic nor very much advanced in spiritual realization.
- Caitanya said, You (Vasudeva Datta) do not even have to take up the burden of their sinful activities. Thus there is no need for you to suffer for their sinful lives. Whoever receives your compassion becomes a Vaisnava immediately.
Conclusion
True compassion is the sign of a life that has assimilated the essence of the Vedas. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that a Vaiṣṇava should never try to kill by body or mind, but should try to revive the Kṛṣṇa consciousness of others. Whether it is through the literary contribution of Śrīla Vyāsadeva or the humble service of a preacher, the compassion of a devotee of God is the greatest benefit to human society. By identifying with the miseries of others and providing the path of liberation, the devotee fulfills the desire of the Lord, proving that spiritual empathy is the ultimate tool for universal peace and happiness.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Compassion of a Devotee of God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.