valaya 0 Report post Posted January 16, 2002 The essence of Bhakti is a submissive spirit, expressed through tolerance and humility. Lord Jesus Christ submitted to crucifixion although He remains guiltless. This post from Audarya Lila dasa is a perfect example of submission, on behalf of another no less. Dear Jahnava Nitai, I know that it is certainly your perogative to block any of us you wish to block and that your history has shown you to be very accomodating and tolerant with regard to offensive posts or breach of etiquette. Given your gentle nature and your true forgiving vaishnava character, I am asking you to forgive Talasiga for whatever his breach of conduct was and give him facility to post on this forum if that is what he wishes to do. Sincerely, Audarya lila dasa The Old Testament provides many examples of `eye-for-an-eye` justice as do Vedic scriptures prior to Lord Caitanya whose humility, tolerance and submissiveness are exemplified in Nityananda Prabhu. Material strength entails one's becoming bigger, while seeking spiritual shelter demands quite the opposite. Is this forum intended solely as an arena for `discussion` where Gaudiya Vaisnavism reigns supreme by `victory through quotes`? Is it not meant also as a place for devotee association? Some call what separates us from complete immersion in Divine Grace offenses, yet their overemphasis on the offensiveness in others prevents their own salvation. I call separation from Divine Grace apaRADHA, for She remains the personified source of His Divine Grace. Of course, those who identify only their own guru as His Divine Grace may believe they are somehow free to act offensively, or even obliged to, as part of their so-called devotional service. Perhaps they don't realize they are actually crucifying their guru, or do they consider that Sri Gurudev's role is to die for their sins? Since Srimati Radharani is also the personified source and supreme controller of devotional service, that too is major apaRADHA. Worse still, I believe, are those who gleefully gloat over others' defeats, misfortune, or vanquishment. Don't they realize that `there but for the Grace of God` go they and they're setting themselves up for a similar fate somewhere down the line? Most likely all of us here on this forum have many more lives to go, when our roles might very well be reversed... ------------------ Radhe Radhe always Radhe! amanpeter@hotmail.com [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 01-16-2002).] Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
