People in general, who are under the influence of avidya-sakti, or maya, have neither knowledge nor devotion. But when a person who is a little advanced and is therefore called a jnani advances even more, he is in the category of a jnana-misra-bhakta, or a devotee whose love is mixed with empiric knowledge. When he is still further advanced, he can realize that the Absolute Truth is a person with multi-energies. An advanced devotee can understand the Lord and His creative energy. As soon as one accepts the creative energy of the Absolute Truth, the six opulences of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are also understood. Devotees who are still further advanced, in full knowledge, can understand the transcendental pastimes of the Lord. Only on that platform can one fully enjoy transcendental bliss. An example is given in this connection by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura of a person proceeding towards a destination. As he approaches, he sees the destination from a distant place, just as we see a city from a distance. At that time he simply understands that the city is situated at a distance. When, however, he comes still nearer, he sees the domes and flags. But as soon as he enters the city, he sees various paths, gardens, lakes, and marketplaces with shops, and persons buying. He sees varieties of cinema houses, and he sees dancing and jubilation. When a person actually enters the city and personally sees the activities of the city, he becomes satisfied. (SB 4.9.16 PURPORT)
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It is interesting to note how Srila Prabhupada speaks about the "little advanced" person as a "jnani". Therefore, we can safely conclude that this knowledge platform is definitely not the highest or the best. In the same sentence, Prabhupada also speaks about "jnana-misra-bhakti". Even this stage is far from the pure stage of love of Godhead. Only an advanced devotee can understand the Lord - Prabhupada says. So, we find that advanced devotees are very merciful. They have understood Krishna. So, they try to give us that understanding. No wonder, Srila Prabhupada so frequently remarked, "what is the difficulty ?" . For somebody who has understood Krishna, it is frustrating that others cannot understand the simple truth which is also the supreme truth !!! The truth that Krishna is "sarvaysa prabhuh". Krishna is "sarva-karana-karanam". Krishna is our eternal loving father - "suhrdam sarva bhutanam" - as we advance in bhakti, we will be able to comprehend these things better. Right now our comprehension is at a next to nothing level. Its a long journey ahead, but we have the Lord's Holy Names for keeping us company. What more is needed ? The opportunity to serve the Lord's holy name is the only thing required and all the rest will be automatically fulfilled. That is why someone like nama-acharya Haridas Thakur - very very devotionally advanced, was literally living on the holy name.
In conclusion, advanced devotees are wonderful people, because they are advanced. We can take inspiration from them and become more serious in our own devotional lives. Krishna is giving mercy equally to everyone, it just depends on the receiver how he uses it. Just like the rain is falling everywhere equally, but the rock doesn't produce anything whereas the soil produces vegetation. Lets not be rock-hearted and refuse to become devotees, lets be receptive to the mercy, accept it gratefully and exploit it to advance in devotional life... Hare Krishna !!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It is interesting to note how Srila Prabhupada speaks about the "little advanced" person as a "jnani". Therefore, we can safely conclude that this knowledge platform is definitely not the highest or the best. In the same sentence, Prabhupada also speaks about "jnana-misra-bhakti". Even this stage is far from the pure stage of love of Godhead. Only an advanced devotee can understand the Lord - Prabhupada says. So, we find that advanced devotees are very merciful. They have understood Krishna. So, they try to give us that understanding. No wonder, Srila Prabhupada so frequently remarked, "what is the difficulty ?" . For somebody who has understood Krishna, it is frustrating that others cannot understand the simple truth which is also the supreme truth !!! The truth that Krishna is "sarvaysa prabhuh". Krishna is "sarva-karana-karanam". Krishna is our eternal loving father - "suhrdam sarva bhutanam" - as we advance in bhakti, we will be able to comprehend these things better. Right now our comprehension is at a next to nothing level. Its a long journey ahead, but we have the Lord's Holy Names for keeping us company. What more is needed ? The opportunity to serve the Lord's holy name is the only thing required and all the rest will be automatically fulfilled. That is why someone like nama-acharya Haridas Thakur - very very devotionally advanced, was literally living on the holy name.
In conclusion, advanced devotees are wonderful people, because they are advanced. We can take inspiration from them and become more serious in our own devotional lives. Krishna is giving mercy equally to everyone, it just depends on the receiver how he uses it. Just like the rain is falling everywhere equally, but the rock doesn't produce anything whereas the soil produces vegetation. Lets not be rock-hearted and refuse to become devotees, lets be receptive to the mercy, accept it gratefully and exploit it to advance in devotional life... Hare Krishna !!!
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