Character of a Devotee of God
The character of a pure devotee is the most glorious subject matter in the Vedic literatures. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a true devotee of God possesses all the good qualities of the demigods (yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcanā sarvair guṇais tatra samāsate surāḥ). This character is not artificial but is a natural byproduct of pure devotion.
Tolerance and Mercy
The first qualifications of a saintly person are tolerance (titikṣavaḥ) and mercy (kāruṇikāḥ). Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the example of Lord Śiva, who is considered the topmost Vaiṣṇava, for his excellent character in tolerating insults. Similarly, Prahlāda Mahārāja and Jesus Christ are highlighted as ideals of tolerance and compassion, proving that a devotee forgives personal grievances while working for the welfare of others.
- First qualification of sadhu is titiksavah. Titiksavah and karunikah: at the same time, kind. These two examples we find in the character of Lord Jesus Christ.
- A Vaisnava is always tolerant, and Lord Siva is considered the topmost Vaisnava, so his character, as shown in this scene (in SB 4.2.33), is excellent.
Automatic Development of Qualities
One need not endeavor separately to acquire good qualities like truthfulness, cleanliness, and magnanimity. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that simply by engaging in devotional service, these qualities develop automatically. Conversely, non-devotees, despite their education or austerities, cannot possess true good character because they are hovering on the mental plane.
- Seeing this (universal brotherhood), one does not envy, exploit or trouble another living entity. Thus one who is a devotee of Krsna automatically develops all good qualities, for he is in the proper consciousness.
- There are certainly many good qualities among fruitive actors, philosophical speculators and mystic yogis, but all good qualities automatically develop in the character of a devotee. No extraneous endeavor is needed.
Trustworthiness and Purity
The character of a devotee is so spotless that even enemies trust them. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that Vasudeva's character was so impeccable that even the demon Kaṁsa believed his word. A devotee is suśīla (well-behaved) and sādhu (honest). There is no room for duplicity or impurity in the life of a Vaiṣṇava because they serve the All-Pure Lord.
- Although Kamsa was a sinful demon, he believed that Vasudeva would never deviate from his word. The character of a pure devotee like Vasudeva is such that even so great a demon as Kamsa firmly believed in his words and was satisfied.
- Sila means character, very nice character. A devotee cannot be bad character. Because Krsna is param brahma param dhama pavitram (BG 10.12) - pavitra means pure - so impure cannot approach Him. That is not possible.
- There cannot be any duplicity in the character of a Vaisnava.
Glorifying the Devotee
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is filled with the narrations of great devotees like Dhruva, Prahlāda, and Ambarīṣa. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that hearing about the character of these great souls is as purifying as hearing about the Lord Himself. In fact, Kṛṣṇa is more pleased when His devotees are glorified.
- Hearing the topics of the Lord and hearing of the character and activities of the pure devotee have the same result, namely, the development of devotional service.
- If we glorify the devotees, the character of the devotees, before the Lord, He's more pleased than to glorify Himself, directly.
- Maitreya continued: The greatest of all devotees, Maharaja Prthu, was very powerful, and his character was liberal, magnificent and magnanimous. Thus I have described him to you as far as possible.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that the character of a devotee is the best evidence of the potency of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. By seeing the transformation in the lives of devotees—who give up sinful activities and become saintly—the world can understand the power of bhakti. A devotee's life is a living scripture, demonstrating how to live in this world without being of it.
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