Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Says - "My Dear Mind, You Are Cheating"
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura was a revolutionary ācārya who strongly preached against spiritual hypocrisy. He specifically addressed the mind's tendency to deceive the practitioner by seeking cheap popularity through the pretense of advanced devotion. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cited his Guru Mahārāja's admonishment to the mind, warning disciples that premature attempts at solitary worship, known as nirjana-bhajana, are often nothing more than a cheating process designed to garner adoration from the innocent public.
Imitating Haridāsa Ṭhākura
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the mind often tricks a devotee into thinking they are ready for a secluded life of chanting, similar to Nāmācārya Śrīla Haridāsa Ṭhākura. However, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura condemned this artificial imitation, noting that without genuine spiritual strength, such seclusion is merely a method to secure cheap fame as a vaiṣṇava while maintaining material desires.
Cheating of Cheap Adoration
The desire for pratiṣṭhā, or reputation, is a significant impediment on the path of bhakti. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura chided the mind for seeking this "cheap adoration" through a show of solitary chanting. He considered such behavior to be "cheating" because it presents a facade of renunciation while the heart remains attached to the praise of others, rather than the service of Kṛṣṇa.
Conclusion
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura's stern warnings serve as a protective guard for sincere aspirants. By exposing the mind's trickery, he instructs that true advancement is not found in the artificial imitation of great saints or the pursuit of cheap popularity in a solitary place. Instead, one must engage in active service and preaching under the order of the spiritual master to purify the heart of the desire for adoration.
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 Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Says. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.